Commissioner John King Talks Education Challenges

New York’s Education Commissioner says there’s anxiety among teachers and school leaders regarding fiscal conditions in the state.

Commissioner John King says schools are being asked to do a lot this year including implementing new standards and teacher evaluations in light of declining enrollment and a changed fiscal reality because of the tax cap. King says one goal is to find ways to preserve programs such as foreign language, art and music - in small high schools facing declining enrollment. He says one answer would be regional high schools….

"That would allow a set of districts to combine their high schools - it may  not immediately save money, but it would certainly make it possible for students to have access to those advanced placement classes, those extracurricular activities, those elective courses that some of our more affluent suburban communities are able to offer," King says.
 
King adds regional high schools aren’t the solution for every part of the state. But he adds regional collaboration is one solution to improving how resources are distributed to smaller school districts.

Commissioner John King appeared on WXXI's Capitol Pressroom.