Ms. Martinez and Mr. Pierorazio Guests of the Governor at Albany Press Conference

Text of Governor Spitzer's "Contract for Excellence" Remarks

(January 26, 2007) Board of Education Vice-President Debra Martinez and Superintendent Bernard Pierorazio were guests of Governor Eliot Spitzer at the introduction of his "Contract for Excellence" education proposal.

In the speech, Governor Spitzer challenged public school districts to improve children’s education and provides resources to achieve success. The Governor’s proposals are in three areas: Financial Accountability, Programmatic Accountability, and Performance Accountability.

Superintendent Pierorazio commented, “The Governor announced major reforms for education in New York State and I applaud him for unveiling these major initiatives at the start of his term of office.”

“In the area of financial accountability, I feel the proposal to replace the current state aid formula with a foundation formula that distributes educational funding based on the needs of our children will bring equity to education funding in this state. The current state aid formula is complex, outdated and severely under funds the Yonkers Public Schools.”

“Governor Spitzer’s proposals in the area of programmatic accountability are bold. Experts have said time and time again that smaller class sizes and more time in the classroom are critical to student achievement. I salute the Governor for his commitment to these objectives. Quality of teaching is critical to student performance. The proposals unveiled yesterday will give school districts the ability to draw on best practices from around the country, tailored to the needs of the particular community.”

“Governor Spitzer’s initiatives in the area of performance accountability, including school based performance incentives and statewide recognition are important to administrators and teachers. In fact, Governor Spitzer has selected one of the educational leaders in our State, my colleague, Rochester Superintendent Manny Rivera to spearhead ‘A Contract for Excellence.’”

Board of Education Vice President Martinez enthusiastically endorsed the Governor’s proposals. Ms. Martinez commented, “We, as Board Members, look forward to working with the Governor, Superintendent Pierorazio, district educators, and parents to implement ‘A Contract for Excellence’ in Yonkers. Trustees understand the important role that we play in setting policy and selecting effective leadership for our schools. The proposals outlined by Governor Spitzer, backed by equitable funding of districts throughout New York State and accountability standards, will lead to increased student achievement.”