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Certification required training by April 1, 2025,

This is a 2 hour session must be submitted before April.

New York State Office of Children and Family Services is offering FREE two-hour web-based online Mandated Reporter Training. This web-based training can be accessed at any time by visiting www.nysmandatedreporter.org.

Step by step guide for mandated reporter training.

This course will be available for you to take, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Progress is saved at the end of each section, so you may complete it at your own pace.

New York State Teacher of the Year Program Is Now Accepting Applications for 2026 Teacher of the Year

The application deadline is February 7, 2025. Nominate an exemplary teacher today!

Teacher of the Year website provides additional information, including how to nominate a teacher and/or submit an application.

Applications Open for 2025 New York State Summer School of the Arts In-Residency Program

This program will provide students with the opportunity to study alongside professional artists in a competitive yet nurturing environment. Each program will culminate in a public showcase or exhibition. The four-week program will be held on the SUNY Fredonia campus and will run from July 6 to August 2, 2025. All application information, including specific portfolio and audition requirements for each program, are available on the NYSSSA website.

Endorsed by the NYSUT Member Benefits Trust

LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE PROGRAM

Request Rates and a Complimentary Long-Term Care Planning Guide

Board of Regents Advances Budget and Legislative Priorities for the 2025-26 School Year

Proposals Include Funding to Implement Updated Graduation Measures, Modernizing the Foundation Aid Formula, and Providing Growth Aid to Districts with Rapid Enrollment. Additional State Aid requests include funding to support students with disabilities, planning to create a high school for students in detention, raising the BOCES Aid salary cap, and increasing participation in Career and Technical Education

Budget and Legislative Initiatives

New York’s Faith-Based Affordable Housing: 

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

1. Loss of Local Control: One of the major criticisms of the bill is that it would diminish the power of local zoning boards and planning authorities, who are best positioned to understand and manage the specific needs and dynamics of their communities. By potentially bypassing local zoning laws, the bill could lead to developments that are out of sync with local planning strategies and long-term visions.
2. Potential for Community Resistance: Even though faith organizations are integral to their communities, rezoning and development can meet with significant resistance from local residents. Concerns about increased traffic, changes to neighborhood character, and strains on local resources like schools and emergency services can lead to opposition, creating divisions within communities.
3. Inadequate Infrastructure Support: Developing affordable housing involves more than just erecting buildings; it requires adequate infrastructure such as roads, schools, sewers, water supplies, public transportation, and healthcare services. There’s a risk that rapid development driven by the bill could outpace the local infrastructure, leading to overcrowded schools and congested roads.
4. Potential for Exploitation: There is a risk that without strict guidelines and oversight, the development of affordable housing on faith-based properties could be co-opted by private developers more interested in profit than in serving community needs. This could lead to developments that are affordable in name only, or that fail to meet the quality and sustainability standards necessary for long-term success.
5. Erosion of Trust: As faith organizations move into the role of housing providers, there could be an erosion of trust among congregants and the wider community, especially if developments lead to unforeseen negative impacts. The intertwining of religious missions with housing politics could also polarize congregations and communities.
6. Taxation Questions: Utilizing land owned by tax-exempt entities for commercial purposes such as housing could complicate the tax status of these properties. This could potentially lead to legal challenges and a reevaluation of property tax exemptions for religious organizations, altering long-standing financial assumptions and potentially straining budgets of these entities.

While the New York Faith-Based Affordable Housing Act presents a creative approach to tackling the housing crisis, it also brings with it significant challenges and risks. Careful consideration, detailed planning, and robust safeguards are essential to ensure that the implementation of such a policy would indeed benefit communities without sacrificing the principles of local control and quality of life that residents cherish.

Excerpt from Paul Adler is Chief Strategy Officer of Rand Commercial. paul.adler@randcommercial.com

NYSUT Member Benefits

• WrapPlan®II flexible premium adjustable life insurance - NYSUT Member Benefits Trust-endorsed program
• NYSUT Members Get Exclusive Benefits from Heat USA - In a time of volatile energy prices and weather, there has never been a more important time for NYSUT members to have the buying power, system coverage and safety provided by a membership with Heat USA.
• Purchasing Power NYSUT Member Benefits - Purchasing Power is provided through your NYSUT Member Benefits with Purchasing Power unlock your Spending Power and ditch the stress that comes with high-interest credit cards and other Buy Now, Pay Later programs. With Purchasing Power, you have access to: 40,000+ brand-name products & even travel/Upfront delivery & no hassles/Easy, fixed payments right from your paycheck/Financial health resources
• Nationwide NYSUT Member Benefits - Get more for your pet with employee-only pet insurance from Nationwide
• Long-term Care Insurance Program Request Rates and a Complimentary Long-Term Care Planning Guide