Many NYSUT members spend each day teaching students the importance of playing fair. A state appeals court has sent Monroe County the same message, loud and clear.

Reversing a lower court ruling, the Appellate Division of state Supreme Court unanimously decided that Monroe County had no right to divert $29 million in sales tax revenue the county is statutorily required to share with 24 school districts.

NYSUT President Dick Iannuzzi called the ruling a victory for students in Rochester-area schools and supporters of open government.

"The court sent a clear message that a promise is a promise and that the money our schools need to raise student achievement should not be used in a political shell game," Iannuzzi said.

At issue was the so-called "F.A.I.R. Plan" hatched by County Executive Maggie Brooks to pay county Medicaid costs using funds that would normally be provided to suburban schools. Educators and county taxpayers were irate at the plan's passage, which occurred without public discussion at a hastily called meeting.

Several taxpayers filed suit, and NYSUT provided legal assistance and logistical help with a multi-media communications campaign launched by the Monroe County Education Coalition, a group of teachers, parents, school board members and administrators.

The campaign included television spots, a letter-writing campaign and even a Web site at http://www.unfairtokids.org/, where residents could get information about the implications of Brooks' plan.

Monroe County may appeal. Because the ruling was unanimous, the state Court of Appeals is not required to hear the case.

"Our hope is that Monroe County will accept the court's decision and do what's right for local school children," said Tom Gillett, a member of the MCEC steering committee and NYSUT's regional staff director for the Rochester area. "It is critical that these schools get the money that was promised to them so they can continue their important work of educating our children."

— Kevin Hart