Mills says fed funds must be used to save jobs
Federal stimulus funds must be used by school districts to save jobs and improve student achievement - not for tax relief or to build reserves, State Education Commissioner Richard Mills assured delegates.
Speaking to the RA for the 14th year before he retires in June, Mills received a warm welcome and made it clear school districts will be expected to revise their school budget plans before statewide votes May 19.
"The law is very clear and specific. The funds must be used to protect jobs and advance student achievement," Mills said. "These are extraordinary funds that are not to be used in ordinary ways."
Another prize on the table is the federal $5 billion "Race to the Top" competitive challenge grant program.
"It's an opportunity without precedent to drive reform nationally to a whole new level," Mills said. "New York is a leader - we belong in the Race to the Top."
Mills said New York intends to be among the few that secure the funds. "When we do it," he said, "it will be with all of you. And to a great extent, it will be because of all of you."
Winning the competitive grants, he said, will take bold initiatives like the ones Vice President Maria Neira talked about in the speech preceding his appearance.
The commissioner said shortly after the spring break, SED will release the grade 3-8 test results. "I think the results will be encouraging, and will also include some indications of how much more we have to do," Mills said.
He said districts that have made the most progress on student achievement have strengthened professional development and curriculum; given kids more help and more time; and aligned teaching to the standards.
In an emotional farewell speech, Mills thanked NYSUT for being such a strong partner in efforts to raise standards and end the achievement gap.
He thanked the countless individual teachers who have welcomed him into their classrooms.
Of the many visits, he recalled the New York City math teacher who used only one math problem for an extraordinary lesson and an upstate kindergarten teacher who turned a child's offer of a cupcake to the commissioner into a math question.
He recalled that on Sept. 12, 1995, he took the oath of office among teachers and children in PS 31 in the Bronx.
On the wall at home is the cardboard key to a fourth-grade classroom in that school, signed by many children and their teacher, Ms. Munz.
"I think of them sometimes when I leave for work," he said. "By now, many have completed college and taken up adult responsibilities. Many have children of their own. I worry that some may not have graduated from high school. On that day, they were all hopeful and in good hands."
As he prepares to pass the baton to a new commissioner, he acknowledged there is still more to do.
"I did my best," Mills said, his voice breaking a little. "And I know that you did your best, too."
Neira presented him with a warm tribute and crystal Steuben apple. "You've always been an important, dependable ally - a tenacious advocate for higher standards for all students," Neira said.
"To get such a gift from the students and teachers who are at the heart of our work is truly a wonderful honor," Mills said.