Focus on special education, workforce shortages and zero-emission buses
The Capital Region BOCES Superintendents’ Legislative Committee outlined a strong advocacy agenda at their annual Legislative Breakfast held on Jan. 9 at the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center in Albany.
Joined by local elected officials, the committee announced a list of new and ongoing priorities for the 2026 Legislative Session, including a push to ensure the state continues refining the school funding formulas; more support for school districts during the zero-emission bus transition; Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to age 22 for students with disabilities; and addressing workforce shortages in education.
Presentations on the issues were delivered by Carl Mummenthey, Niskayuna Central School District Superintendent; David Blanchard, Schoharie Central School District Superintendent; Kimberly Ross, Duanesburg Central School Superintendent; Shannon Shine, Mohonasen Central School District Superintendent; and David Perry, South Colonie Central School District Superintendent.
“Schools are doing more to respond to the social-emotional and mental health needs of their students,” said Superintendent Mummenthey as he called for a Foundation Aid formula that is equitable, predictable and responsive.” The goal, he said, is to “expand services so that every student can be successful, not just in our programs, but in life.”
CTE SkillsUSA students served as event hosts and full breakfast and dining services were rendered by students in the Culinary Arts and Hospitality programs. The students kicked off the agenda with their introductions, identifying their school districts and the BOCES programs they attend.
“I thought it was a great presentation not only for us legislators here, but also for Capital Region BOCES at large,” said Sen. Jacob Ashby, District 43. “When we start to hear these recurring stories, they should light a fire under leadership in the legislature to see that these issues are serious and begin to impact the quality of education that we’re going to be able to provide.”
Assemblymember Gabriella Romero, District 109, attended the breakfast for the first time since taking office in 2025. “This is a beautiful building and amazing food from the students,” she said. “I really appreciate your values and thoughts,” she said to the committee. “We share the same values—we want students to grow and thrive and I’m committed to working with BOCES on these priorities.”
Assemblymembers Mary Beth Walsh and John McDonald, Senator Patricia Fahy, and representatives from Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara and Senator James Tedisco’s office also attended to show their support for the committee’s 2026 Legislative Advocacy Agenda.
Assemblymember Walsh said she was proud to see students from her district and expressed full support for the committee’s priorities, noting that she is ready to “ask the hard questions and meet the challenges” during the current legislative session.
Senator Fahy said she always looks forward to the Superintendents’ Legislative Breakfast due to its organization and concise presentation of the priorities. “When you advocate it helps us all,” she said.
The Capital Region BOCES Legislative Advocacy Agenda is supported by its 24 component school districts.