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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Sheree Gibson, Citywide Title I Parent Leader on Education Budget
5:31:44
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124 sec
Sheree Gibson, a Citywide Title I Parent Leader, expressed appreciation for the baseline funding of several education programs in the FY 2026 executive budget while urging for long-term funding for summer programming. She highlighted the importance of summer programs for children's development and families' well-being.
- Praised baseline funding for arts programming, community schools, and high-impact tutoring
- Emphasized the need for $80 million in long-term funding for summer programming
- Shared personal experiences of the benefits of summer activities for herself and her child
Sheree Gibson
5:31:44
good afternoon.
5:31:45
Sheri 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.
5:32:34
Thank you.
5:32:35
We are grateful.
5:32:37
However, the executive budget leaves several programs without long term funding, extending funding for only one year.
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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.
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For families like mine and for thousands of others, summer programming isn't a luxury, it's a lifeline.
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As a parent who benefited from summer activities myself, I know firsthand the power of these programs.
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They give our children more than just a place to go, they offer hope, opportunity, and a sense of belonging.
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We parents want real peace of mind knowing our kids are learning, making friends, and building memories, not left behind or left out.
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My own child participated in summarizing for two summers.
5:33:44
I saw the joy, the growth, and yes the challenges.