Chalkbeat New York | Essential education reporting in New York

By Reema Amin

Nov 7, 2022, 7:20pm EST

Gov. Kathy Hochul and Lee Zeldin, her Republican opponent, have built large campaign war chests as they seek to win New York state’s highest office on Tuesday. 

While education-focused groups haven’t stuck out as either candidate’s biggest donors, both candidates have received some substantial donations from those who exert influence on New York’s education world — helping to paint a clearer picture of who is hoping to have sway over schools policy. 

Hochul has touted boosting funding for public schools while in office and has earned the endorsements of powerful teachers unions. She recently revealed that she supported lifting the cap on how many charter schools can open in New York. 

Zeldin has voiced strong support for school choice, including charters and private choice options, and has embraced conservative talking points about banning “divisive curriculum” related to race and restricting “age-inappropriate” sex education.

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This week is National School Bus Safety Week - October 17-21, 2022. The theme is "1 Bus + 1 Driver = A Big Impact on Education." The New York School Bus Contractors Association "NYSBCA" wants to thank our school bus drivers who keep our children safe and contribute to our education system, and make a difference.

EPA wants to hear from you on how to build its Clean School Bus Grants Program. Please come prepared to share your feedback on the program.

Click Here to Register

For more information, please visit our website: epa.gov/cleanschoolbus

If you have any feedback, please email: cleanschoolbus@epa.gov

Listen to Nicholas Vallone on NSTA's "The Bus Stop" podcast about "Addressing the Driver Shortage through Advocacy."

Click Here

Check out NYSBCA's past president, Corey Muirhead's podcast on NSTA's "The Bus Stop" about navigating the driver shortage, media, electric school buses, and more.

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DOH COVID-19 *NEW REVISED* Isolation and Quarantine Guidance

Released May 31, 2022

This guidance supersedes previous isolation and quarantine guidance. An exception related to quarantine and isolation was added for children’s attendance at childcare and early childhood education settings and language related to boosters and being “up to date” has been updated.

Click Here for the Updated DOH Guidance

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2022
1:00 p.m. ET

Hosted by the Alliance for Electric School Buses and the Electric School Bus Initiative.

This April, the U.S. EPA is expected to officially launch its new Clean School Bus Program, which will provide billions of dollars to help school districts invest in electric school buses over the next five years. Join us to learn more about this unprecedented funding opportunity and how you can leverage it for your school district and community. Drawing on years of federal and local experience, panelists will offer unique and helpful insights into applying for, receiving and deploying clean school bus funding.

From our meetings with stakeholders, it's our understanding that contractors will be able to apply for the funding directly. Join the webinar to learn more. There is a section to share your questions in advance for the panelists when you register.

Click Here to Register

It is with deepest sorrow to inform you that Ellis Marksohn, 31, beloved son of Bart and Jan Marksohn passed away on March 15 after a sudden illness. Memorial services will be private and the family asks for time to grieve their loss privately. The best way we can support the Marksohn family is to keep them in our thoughts and prayers.

Those who wish to express their condolences are asked to consider a donation to the GoFundMe page in memory of Ellis Marksohn.

Ellis’ brother Jesse and his fiancé Heather established the fund to honor Ellis’ life by supporting charities and organizations that were dear to him. Even a small donation could help Heather Clifford reach their fundraising goal to honor Ellis Marksohn. And if you can't make a donation, it would be great if you could share the fundraiser link to help spread the word.

GoFundMe Link: https://gofund.me/9ce904c9

Bart and Jan Marksohn are longtime members and supporters of NYSBCA. Our thoughts and prayers are with them, Jesse, Heather, and their family during this difficult time.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) waived until March 1, 2022, the requirement under 49 CFR 391.45 that CDL holders, CLP holders, and non-CDL drivers have a medical examination and certification, provided they had proof of a valid medical certification and any required medical variance (as defined in 49 CFR 390.5T such as an exemption letter or a skill performance evaluation certificate) issued for a period of 90 days or longer and expired on or after September 1st, 2021. Drivers whose medical examiners certificate (MEC) expired on or after September 1st, 2021 had until February 28, 2022 to submit an updated medical certificate to the DMV. Please note, effective March 1, 2022, drivers in this category who do not have an MEC on file were placed in a “Not Certified” status and will be notified by mail that their license will be downgraded to a non-CDL class in 55 days.

Commercial drivers that receive a downgrade letter and have an updated, valid medical certificate must submit their certificate to the Medical Certification Unit by fax: (518) 486-4421 or (518) 486-3260 or by Email: dmv.sm.cdlmedcertunit@dmv.ny.gov as soon as possible to avoid having their CDL license downgraded. Once a CDL has been downgraded, drivers must visit their local DMV office to upgrade their license and pay the appropriate amendment fees. Drivers should also monitor their license status using MyDMV to ensure that their submitted medical certificate has been received and added to their driving record.

Click Here for the FMCSA waiver.