| Subject: Update on ESSAA Legislative Priorities & Survey Results
October 2025
The ESSAA Advocacy Committee recently held an important discussion with our lobbyists to address challenges facing public schools and school leadership and develop a strategy for legislative priorities in the coming year. Participating in the conversation were Carol Conklin Spillane, Michael Starvaggi, Celia Strino, and Skip Voorneveld. Representing our lobbyists were Bob Unger and Tony Laurino. A central theme of the discussion was the urgent need to invest in mental health services and programs that foster student belonging, which are essential for ensuring safety and engagement. With tightening budgets and reduced federal funding, there is growing concern over potential cuts to programs that directly impact our students and staff. Leadership roles; principals, assistant principals, and program directors and administrators, are more vital than ever in maintaining stability, implementing initiatives like the “Portrait of a Graduate,” and navigating challenges such as high turnover, AI integration, and evolving workforce demands. The conversation also highlighted the financial strain charter schools impose on public districts, particularly in funding special education services, further underscoring the need for strong advocacy at the state level.
Additionally, retirement and pension-related policies were discussed, particularly the ongoing debate over unrestricted earnings in retirement and potential Tier 6 reforms. While no new tier system is currently being proposed, there is widespread interest in addressing Tier 6 challenges, which remain a priority for public sector unions. The discussion also touched on potential retirement incentives, which may arise as a management tool during severe budget constraints. These issues highlight the need for strategic advocacy to ensure retirement policies balance the interests of both current and retired members while safeguarding leadership pathways for future generations.
As we prepare for the Governor’s upcoming budget proposal in January, your support of our advocacy efforts is crucial. Contributing to the PAC ensures we have the resources to amplify your voices and secure funding for vital programs. The results of our recent legislative survey, below, clearly outline the priorities identified by our colleagues and reinforce the need for unified action. These results will guide our lobbying efforts and ensure we remain focused on the most pressing concerns for our schools. Together, we can protect the future of public education and advocate for the leadership, resources, and programs our students and staff deserve. |
