NEW YORK STATE COUNCIL OF EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

April 13, 2015

Dear Delegates,

The sun is shining in Albany today. Hopefully, spring has finally arrived and will make up for the cold, cold winter we endured in upstate and downstate New York.

I personally am very excited about the agenda that I present to you with this letter. Our presenters will touch upon a variety of topics and will leave us motivated as we end yet the another year.

Chancellor Nancy Zimpher has accepted our invitation to speak at this meeting. She will be the first speaker of the day updating us on the initiatives and status of the SUNY System.

Nicholas Storelli- Castro, the director of Governmental Relations and special projects at NYSED, will present information on items recently developed and passed with Governor Cuomo's new 2015 Budget.

Many of you asked if we could continue to have updates on Federal Legislative Issues.

Dr. Richard Long, from Literate Nation will return to provide an update on the federal initiatives via SKYPE. As this letter is written, ESEA, otherwise known as NCLB, is being marked up for passage by congress. You can find further information on this at:

We will be motivated about our role in education by author and educator Jan Cheripko. Jan writes for young adults. Among his books are: Imitate the Tiger, Rat, and Voices of the River. Jan is a wonderful person and a motivating educator who I am sure will leave us invigorated as we end the school year.

There is new business that NYSCEA will need to accomplish as well to tie up old business for the year. A treasurer's report and budget will be presented and reviewed. Elections will be held for President Elect and Secretary. Discussions will continue on Advocacy and a strategic plan for the future. The day will be completed with these items.

I am sure this will be one of our best meetings ever - so make sure to reserve your hotel room and your spot. Reservations for rooms at the Century House can be made by calling 518 785 0931 or 1(888)67HOUSE on or before April 24, 2015, the deadline date for our block. Please contact our executive manager, Laura LaFontaine at regarding your attendance at the May meeting on or before May 3, 2015. The fee for each individual meeting is $75.00 this year. You can register by contacting Laura LaFontaine and forwarding your check to her prior to the meeting.

I look forward to seeing all of you soon.

As always,

Susan M. Bogdan-Ritty

NYSCEA President 2013-15