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Westchester Executive Sounds Alarm On School Funding Proposal

In this Nov. 4, 2014 file photo, then New York Republican gubernatorial candidate Rob Astorino gives his concession speech during his election night rally, in White Plains, N.Y.
John Minchillo
/
AP
New York Republican gubernatorial candidate Rob Astorino gives his concession speech during his election night rally in White Plains in 2014. Astorino is now the county executive in Westchester.

Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino was on Long Island on Thursday to warn parents about what he calls the dangers of a new federal proposal designed to increase Common Core test participation. Astorino says it would hurt the reputation of New York schools and property values.

Astorino, who was the 2014 Republican gubernatorial candidate, says the proposal could mean the loss of federal aid to New York schools that have test opt-out rates higher than five percent. The parent advocacy group Long Island Opt-Out says that would affect nearly every school on the Island.

The New York State Board of Regents is discussing how the proposed regulations would affect local schools.

Astorino is calling on Governor Andrew Cuomo to weigh in.

“And he has been dead silent about this. So I am out here to ring the bell so people know what is at stake here.”

Astorino spoke at Syosset High School, named a School of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education last year, but would be considered a failing school under the proposal.

A native Long Islander, J.D. is WSHU's managing editor. He also hosts the climate podcast Higher Ground. J.D. reports for public radio stations across the Northeast, is a journalism educator and proud SPJ member.
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