Increase the Cap on Aidable BOCES Salaries

[Date]

[LEGISLATOR NAME]

[ADDRESS]

Dear [LEGISLATOR NAME]:

I am writing to you as a member of the [YOUR ASSOCIATION HERE]. I am currently a Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher in the [DISTRICT NAME]. I am asking for you to support CTE programs in this year’s State budget.

In January 2015, the New York State Board of Regents adopted a multiple pathways (“4+1”) approach to graduation that allows students to substitute an alternative pathway for a fifth Regents exam. One of those alternative pathways is completion of an approved CTE program. For CTE programs to achieve the goal of preparing students to be College and Career Ready, specific actions are necessary to support high school and BOCES CTE programs.

I would ask you to support the following:

Increase the Cap on Aidable BOCES Salaries

The existing state aid formulas for CTE programs run through the BOCES program only provides reimbursable-aid for the first $30,000 of a BOCES instructors salary. The current formula was established in 1992 when the salary of a CTE teacher was well below the current average of $65,000. This year the Assembly and Senate one-house proposals both include increasing that dollar threshold. We ask for your support to keep the increase in the BOCES salary cap in this year’s final budget.

Increase CTE Support in the Big 5 School Districts

The Big 5 School Districts also receive state reimbursement for CTE pupil expenses. However, their funding levels fall far short of both student needs and program expansion goals. Current funding accounts for approximately 50 percent of a school district’s CTE expenses. This low reimbursement level will continue to hamper efforts to expand opportunities for more students through the multiple pathways model. Iask that you support increased levels of funding for special services aid to the Big 5 Schools districts.

Current research shows that students will need a full range of academic, employability and technical skills to be successful in postsecondary education and job training experiences. Additional resources dedicated to CTE programs will further support the State’s efforts to prepare all students to be College and Career Ready.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]