All children, by virtue of their dignity as human beings, have an inalienable right to a quality education, and parents have the right and responsibility to direct their children's education. The Conference seeks to uphold the rights of all parents in providing for their children's education and endeavors to ensure that educational resources and services are provided fairly and equitably to all students and teachers, including those independent and religious schools.

Education

Ensure full reimbursement for health, safety and security mandates

All schools are expected to be safe, secure and void of health risks. Yet health, safety and security concerns continue to rise within our schools. While public schools receive state aid and are able to levy taxes to respond to these concerns, independent and religious schools are unable to respond to these concerns without additional funding. more

Ensure that all schools have full-time nurses

Public schools are required to provide nursing services on an equitable basis to independent and religious schools. Insufficient funding for school nurses, coupled with the shortage of school nurses leaves school children without adequate nursing coverage. more

Help parents offset the cost of their child's education with tax credits for choice and investment

Parents have a fundamental right and responsibility to direct their children's education. An education tax credit would enable all parents to choose a school best suited for their children, and an education investment tax credit would give schools added revenue to help offset rising costs. more

Ensure full reimbursement for Academic Intervention Services

The Conference seeks $20 million to enable independent and religious schools to fully implement with the Regents’ AIS regulations. more

Reform and expand school transportation services for all students

Limited and inconsistent transportation services impose a significant burden on parents who enroll their children in religious, private or independent schools. Moreover, the availability of bus service often determines whether parents can exercise their right to select a school for their children. The Catholic Conference supports increased services for children in these schools. more

Provide funding for to establish entry-level teacher support programs to assist new teachers

The Catholic Conference seeks to ensure that teacher recruitment programs and policies designed to attract new teachers into the profession apply in a way that benefit all children. more

Ensure sufficient and quality professional development programs for all teachers

The Catholic Conference seeks to ensure independent, private and religious school teachers have the opportunity to participate in meaningful and sustained professional development programs. more