There was little to celebrate when more than three dozen union leaders and staff from NYSUT-represented 853 Schools gathered in New York City recently to learn about the latest in legislation, bargaining and laws affecting the schools.

Gov. Paterson recently vetoed a bill that would have allowed Special Act and 853 Schools to maintain a fund balance from year to year, similar to other public schools.

"This has been a very challenging year," said Melinda Person, senior NYSUT legislative representative. She said the union would continue to press for the bill.

Leaders were also concerned that 853 Schools were excluded from federal stimulus funds.

Funding is a perennial problem for the schools, which provide special education programs for day and residential students with disabilities under Chapter 853 of state law.

Those 120 schools operate on an outdated and often inadequate funding methodology that could have been alleviated somewhat if the fund-balance measure had not been vetoed.

During the session, leaders had an opportunity to meet with members of the State Education Department's Rate-Setting Unit.

"This is not really the best fiscal time," Director April Wojtkiewicz told the union leaders, noting that new rates should be released soon.

Leaders learned about changes to the institutional abuse and neglect law that went into effect in January. One important change — a child can now be considered abused or neglected without proof of harm or injury.

Constance Furey, president of the "NYSUT at Madonna Heights" local in Suffolk County wondered if the expanded regulations would negatively impact staff.

"We have some students who are severe diabetics," Furey said. "If aides aren't on them 24/7 and they get something they shouldn't have, can the aides be charged with neglect?"

Madonna Heights Services offers residential, community, mental health and outreach services to adolescent girls and women in need.