Funding for the eleven schools serving the educational needs of 1,700 blind, deaf and severely physically disabled children was restored by the state legislature.
In total, state leaders committed to a $98 million restoration to ensure that the schools, based in Buffalo, Rochester, White Plains, New York City and Long Island continue to operate seamlessly and without disruption.
“For nearly 200 years, the state has supported the education of some of New York’s most vulnerable children. Today, we know that the Governor and the legislature are committed to providing certainty and clarity for our students and families,” said Dr. Harold Mowl, Chairman of the 4201 Schools Association, and Superintendent of the Rochester School for the Deaf.
Under an agreement forged earlier this week, and enacted today, a dedicated funding stream – only applicable to 4201 costs – will be provided by the state to local school districts and paid on a quarterly basis to the schools serving the blind, deaf and severely physically disabled. In addition, a new process associated with determining appropriate tuition payments for each school will be developed in association with the New York State Education Department.
“I encourage Governor Cuomo and each and every member of the legislature to visit our schools. They will witness students meeting challenges head-on, observe classroom interaction, and leave with a knowledge that every child deserves an opportunity to lead a fulfilling, independent, productive life,” Dr. Mowl said.
The schools received unanimous support in both houses of the legislature.
The 4201 Schools Association may be accessed on the web here.
The eleven schools educating students that are deaf, blind and physically disabled, include:
New York City and Northern Suburbs:
Lavelle School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (Bronx)
http://www.lavelleschool.org/
Lexington School for the Deaf (Jackson Heights, Queens)
http://www.lexnyc.org/
New York Institute for Special Education (Bronx)
http://www.nyise.org/
New York School for the Deaf (White Plains, Westchester County)
http://www.nysd.net
St Francis DeSales School for the Deaf (Brooklyn)
http://www.sfdesales.org/
St. Joseph’s School for the Deaf (Bronx)
http://www.sjsdny.org/
Long Island:
Cleary School (Nesconset, Suffolk County)
http://www.clearyschool.org/
Henry Viscardi School (Albertson, Nassau County)
http://www.henryviscardischool.org
Mill Neck Manor School for Deaf Children
http://www.millneck.org/
Western New York:
St. Mary’s School for the Deaf (Buffalo, Erie County)
http://www.smsdk12.org/
Rochester School for the Deaf (Rochester, Monroe County)
http://www.rsdeaf.org/
