State Teacher’s Union Sues Regents Board
New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) filed a lawsuit on Monday against the Regents Board and State Education Commissioner John King. NYSUT claims that the Regents Board exceeded its authority in regulations adopted last month. The union is particularly at odds with a provision that allows school districts to double the effect of standardized test scores on teacher evaluations. “New York was poised to take the lead in developing a thoughtful, comprehensive evaluation system developed in collaboration with teachers and other stakeholders. Instead, the Regents chose politics over sound educational policy and the cheap way over the right way, doubling down on high-stakes tests of dubious worth instead of requiring school districts and teachers unions to collaborate in ways that would really strengthen instruction in our classrooms,” NYSUT President Richard C. Iannuzzi said in a press release.
DOT Puts Wayfinding on the Map
The city’s Department of Transportation announced a search for proposals on a new “wayfinding” program to be implemented in Manhattan’s Chinatown and Midtown, Long Island City in Queens, and Prospect Heights and Crown Heights in Brooklyn. “As our streets become safer, more inviting places, it’s even more important that a common language unite these spaces and open them up in new and exciting ways,” said DOT Commissioner Sadik-Khan in a press release. “An information system that points the way to key destinations knits together neighborhoods and makes local businesses even more accessible to all New Yorkers.” The department is looking for innovative solutions to create intuitive and accessible street signs that would help pedestrians navigate neighborhoods by foot, instead of resorting to mass transit and taxis. An improved pedestrian signage system would relieve pressure from mass transit and vehicular traffic, while benefiting local businesses.
Call to Rebuild St. Nicholas Church
State Sen. Martin Golden and Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis have called for the reconstruction of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. The politicians as well as American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association met at ground zero to urge the Port Authority of N.Y. and N.J., Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and N.J. Gov. Chris Christie to prioritize the rebuilding of the church that was destroyed in the 9/11 attacks. “It is now time to make the reconstruction of St. Nicholas Church a top priority at the state and local level,” stated Malliotakis in a press release. The church was founded in 1916. It was completely destroyed during the collapse of World Trade Center Tower 2 on Sept. 11. “Only a handful of damaged icons and religious items were found amongst the rubble,” according to the church website.
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