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Education Summit 2008
Community Conversations About Supporting Public Education
Over 200 business and community leaders packed the auditorium at Yonkers’ Riverfront Library on January 15, 2008 to hear New York City Mayor, Michael Bloomberg speak about the importance of engaging the community in support of the public schools. Bloomberg discussed several initiatives that have taken root in the New York City Public Schools in his six-year tenure as Mayor, and how they have improved student achievement in the largest school district in the country. The Mayor challenged the audience to “be bold” in how we approach public education and to become involved as advocates and supporters of our children’s future.
The audience also heard remarks from Yonkers Mayor Phil Amicone, YPIE Board member and President of ABC News David Westin, President of the Yonkers Board of Education Bernadette Dunn, and Superintendent of Schools Bernard P. Pierorazio. YPIE Executive Director Wendy Nadel served as the panel’s moderator.
Following Mayor Bloomberg’s keynote address, the audience – made up of key community stakeholders including business leaders, community-based organizations, colleges and universities, parents, educators and faith-based organizations - participated in breakout sessions where they responded to the question:
“What resources can each stakeholder group contribute to improve academic achievement for all students in the Yonkers Public Schools?”
Participants reported energetic conversations that captured many ideas and suggestions. Parent, Theresa Colyar commented, “It is important to know the city, on many levels, is invested in the education of Yonkers’ children.” And Saralinda Lichtblau from the Hudson River Museum said, “A wonderful and thoughtful beginning to a promising and necessary conversation.”
Yonkers Partners in Education has continued these community conversations over the past year. A result of these conversations, YPIE published a Report to the Community in March 2008, which identified some of the pressing needs of the schools in Yonkers.
Business Leaders Convene at Education Summit 2008
Yonkers Partners in Education kicked off its first Education Summit on January 15th with a fundraising breakfast at Xaviers on the Hudson for area business leaders. Keynote speaker, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who was introduced by Yonkers Mayor, Phil Amicone, spoke about the need for the business community to support the public schools. He noted that public funds alone do not address the many needs that occur in low income school districts such as New York City and Yonkers. In New York City, the business community has raised millions of dollars to support some important programs such as the NYC Partnership for Teacher Excellence that prepares aspiring teachers to be successful in high needs public schools. Bloomberg challenged the Yonkers business community to take the actions that are appropriate in supporting achievement the Yonkers Public Schools.
The breakfast, which attracted over 125 people, raised over $35,000 for Yonkers Partners in Education.