On June 26, 2003 the New York State Court of Appeals, in a historic court decision, directed the New York State Legislature to create a plan by July 2004 that will reform the school aid formula and ensure that all students are provided the resources and support needed for them to receive a sound basic education.

The Assembly Standing Committee on Education will use these forums to maximize public input from public education stakeholders and to hear what they believe is necessary to provide a quality education to each and every child in our classrooms. These hearings are being held shortly so that the Assembly Majority can meet its commitment to addressing the Court's mandate in this upcoming budget so that changes may be in place in the upcoming school year. The Committee will conduct additional hearings to provide more opportunities for the public to participate in this very important discussion.

Persons wishing to present pertinent testimony to the Committee at the above hearings should complete and return the enclosed reply form as soon as possible. It is important that the reply form be fully completed and returned so that persons may be notified in the event of emergency postponement or cancellation.

Oral testimony will be limited to 10 minutes' duration. In preparing the order of witnesses, the Committee will attempt to accommodate individual requests to speak at particular times in view of special circumstances. These requests should be made on the attached reply form or communicated to Committee staff as early as possible.

Ten copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Committee would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements.

In order to further publicize these hearings, please inform interested parties and organizations of the Committee's interest in hearing testimony from all sources.

Written testimony will also be accepted for those who are not able to present oral testimony at the New York City or Albany hearing. A copy of the written testimony may be mailed to Courtney Hayden, Assembly Standing Committee on Education, Capitol, Room 513, Albany, NY 12248 or faxed to (518) 455 - 4128.

In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Assembly, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Assembly facilities and activities.

Assemblyman Steven Sanders
Member of Assembly
Chairman
Committee on Education

PUBLIC HEARING REPLY FORM

Persons wishing to present testimony at a public hearing on the Implementation of the Court of Appeals Decision in the Campaign for Fiscal Equity lawsuit are requested to complete this reply form as soon as possible and mail or fax it to:

Courtney Hayden
Legislative Committee Assistant
Assembly Committee on Education
Room 513 - Capitol
Albany, New York 12248
E-Mail: haydenc@assembly.state.ny.us
(518) 455-4881
Fax: (518) 455-4128

I plan to attend the following public hearing on the Implementation of the Court of Appeals Decision in the Campaign for Fiscal Equity lawsuit to be conducted by the Assembly Committee on Education on:

___ October 1, 2003 - New York City

___ October 3, 2003 - Albany

I plan to testify at the hearing on the Implementation of the Court of Appeals Decision in the Campaign for Fiscal Equity lawsuit to be conducted by the Assembly Committee on Education on:

___ October 1, 2003 - New York City

___ October 3, 2003 - Albany

My statement will be limited to 10 minutes, and I will answer any questions which may arise. I will provide 10 copies of my prepared statement.

I will address my remarks to the following subjects: