The teachers’ union is pushing for a measure in the new state budget that would steer more pre-K funds to public schools at the expense of parochial schools and not-for-profit groups, advocates involved in the negotiations charge.
The end result would be a two-tiered system — with the faith-based and not-profit programs getting fewer resources and lowered-paid teachers — sources claim.
Gov. Cuomo and legislative leaders are considering a measure that would pay pre-K programs $ 10,000 per student if they have fully credentialed teachers, meaning those with a master’s degree, for example, insiders said.
But programs with teachers that don’t have certifications would receive only $ 7,000 per student.
The better-financed public schools are more likely to have fully credentialed teachers, sources said.
“This will lead to a two-tiered system,” an insider close to the budget negotiations said. “The UFT is trying to get as many of the pre-K classes as possible in the public school system. The disparity in payments will make it harder for the CBOs [community based organizations] to expand pre-K quickly.”
Community-based operators said they were stunned by the bombshell, 11th-hour proposal.
“This proposal provides inequity in the pre-K system. It puts the non-profit providers, the yeshivas and Catholic schools at a tremendous disadvantage,” said Jeff Leb, policy director for Orthodox Union Advocacy.
Mayor Bill de Blasio stops by a pre-kindergarten class at P.S. 130 after he unveiled his plans for universal pre-kindergarten in New York City.Photo: Getty Images
Gregory Brender of United Neighborhood Houses said, “This proposal is a shock. I don’t know where it came from. It will definitely impact our ability to teach kids. We would have less funding to support our teachers, our curriculum, and buy materials and provide class trips.”
In outlining his pre-K initiative, Mayor de Blasio has said he wanted pay parity for all pre-K teachers, whether union or non-union in public or privately-run programs.
“What we are trying to do in each and every case is focus on quality and talented teachers, and obviously make sure that we have the resources to give them the kind of pay that would encourage their presence in these programs,” he said Tuesday.
Pre-K teachers in privately run programs make as much as $ 10,000 a year less than those in public schools.
Cuomo’s office declined comment.
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver’s office also took a pass.
“It’s pointless to respond because there is no final deal. Everything is still being discussed,” said Silver spokesman Michael Whyland.
The United Federation of Teachers had no immediate comment.
Yahoo Local News – New York Post
http://ift.tt/QoJZDE
via Great Local News: New York http://ift.tt/1iZiLP1
No comments:
Post a Comment