While New York State has heightened monitoring in response to over a dozen "swatting" calls received by school districts last week, Jamestown Public Schools has also provided a safety update. Governor Kathy Hochul met with state public safety and … [Read more...]
Cassadaga Valley Central School Receives $203,000 for Pre-K Program
Cassadaga Valley Central School will receive over $203,000 to expand access to its pre-Kindergarten program. The funding is part of $11.7 million announced by Governor Kathy Hochul to expand access to full-day pre-K programs aross New York State. … [Read more...]
[LISTEN] Community Matters – Kevin Whitaker – December 8, 2022
Jamestown Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Kevin Whitaker talks about the State Education Department's communication to districts on mascots. … [Read more...]
JPS Superintendent Criticizes NYS For Dragging Feet on Resolving Small Cities Lawsuit
Jamestown Public Schools' Superintendent is accusing New York State of dragging its feet in resolving a lawsuit over the state under funding poor school districts. Dr. Kevin Whitaker said the state is trying to "smoke out" the remaining eight … [Read more...]
NYS Education Effectively Bans Use of Native American Mascots for Public Schools
The New York State Education Department has effectively banned the use of most Native American mascots for public schools in the State. Jamestown Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Kevin Whitaker said State Ed sent a communication to all districts … [Read more...]
County Mental Hygiene Awarded $150,000 to Support Mental Health in Area Schools
The Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene was recently awarded $150,000 to support eligible Chautauqua County schools with their students’ mental health needs. Administered by the Office of Mental Health and developed in consultation with … [Read more...]
Governor Hochul Highlights $125 Million Investment in Early Childhood Education, Childcare
Governor Kathy Hochul is highlighting a $125 million investment in early childhood education as part of the 2023 state budget. The enacted budget uses the investment to expand access to full-day pre-K for four-year-old children, creating … [Read more...]
NYT: NYS Legislature Passes Gun Bills Package, Broaden Abortion Protections
The New York Times reports the State Legislature has passed a broad package of gun bills that will raise the minimum age to buy a semiautomatic rifle to 21, ban most civilians from purchasing bullet-resistant body vests and revise the state’s red … [Read more...]
Mask Mandate Struck Down in Nassau County State Supreme Court
Nassau County State Supreme Court has struck down Governor Kathy Hochul’s statewide mask mandate as unconstitutional. WETM reports Judge Thomas Rademaker wrote that the governor does not have the authority to impose the mandate since emergency … [Read more...]
Masks Still Required in New York State Schools
Masks are still required at schools in New York State. The State Education Department on Sunday emailed guidance to the roughly 700 New York school districts that said state agencies have agreed to wait until the U.S. Centers for Disease Control … [Read more...]