Sheree Gibson
5:31:47
Are we gonna go down into okay.
5:31:49
Chair Joseph, Chair Brannan, thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today about the proposed education budget.
5:31:58
My name is Sheri Gibson.
5:32:00
I am a proud New York City Public School alum, a high school parent, a citywide title one parent leader, and education advocate.
5:32:08
I am pleased that the fiscal year '20 '20 '6 executive budget includes long term funding for a number of important education programs that have annually been at risk for cuts that we've long advocated for their permanent funding.
5:32:23
Several we'll name today.
5:32:24
The ones close to my heart that I uplift and show appreciation for their baseline funding our arts programming, community schools, and high impact tutoring.
5:32:37
However, the executive budget leaves several programs without long term funding, extending funding for only one year.
5:32:45
Once again, creating instability and uncertainty for students, families, and the system as a whole.
5:32:51
With urgency, I am asking the council to include $80,000,000 in long term funding for summer programming in the final budget.
5:33:00
This funding provides our children with recreational activities, arts and field trips in addition to academic achievement.
5:33:08
For families like mine and for thousands of others, summer programming isn't a luxury, it's a lifeline.
5:33:17
As a parent who benefited from summer activities myself, I know firsthand the power of these programs.
5:33:24
They give our children more than just a place to go, they offer hope, opportunity, and a sense of belonging.
5:33:31
We parents want real peace of mind knowing our kids are learning, making friends, and building memories, not left behind or left out.
5:33:40
My own child participated in summarizing for two summers.
5:33:44
I saw the joy, the growth, and yes the challenges.
