Our Capital District Organizer, Mark Emanatian, gives us a recap of yesterday’s forum:

On February 29th, almost eight hundred students, parents and educators from rural and small city schools from across New York State came to the Capital to demand that their voices be heard. Buses from 39 schools travelled for as long as six hours each way to participate.

Students from Canton, Schenectady, Binghamton, Watervliet, Broadalbin-Perth, Duanesburg, Hornell, Madrid, Kingston, Cohoes, Averill Park, Unadilla, Otego, Troy, and other areas told stories about class sizes too large and text books too old. They spoke of schools so financially strapped that if they don’t receive adequate help from NYS they will be forced to cut kindergarten, all sports and extra-curricular activities (music, art, advanced placement classes, electives, technology) and even close schools. They’re desperate for aid.

However, the students are more than just desperate. They’re young, smart and angry. They’re inspiring. They looked our Governor and Legislature in the eye and said “I AM THE FUTURE”. Many of them carried signs or wore buttons that asked, “Where are you, Governor Cuomo?” They want – and deserve – an answer.

Hats off to the organizers from NYSUT, AQE, the N.Y.S. Association of Small City Schools Association and Citizen Action for a great co-operative effort and a job well done.

Hats off to the students, parents, teachers, administrators and union leaders that came from all over the state.

Hats off to the Legislators who came out and showed their support.

Shame on those who refuse to listen.