04/13/2026
2025-2026 NYS PTA LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
New York State PTA advocates for all children and youth from birth through post-secondary education. Legislative Priorities, adopted by the NYS PTA Board of Directors at the annual pre-convention meeting, lists annual advocacy priorities. The NYS PTA Board of Directors may amend Legislative Priorities as social conditions and government policies necessitate additional response and action.
Support for Public Education
Support funding and reforms that provide equal and equitable access to high-quality education, delivered by highly qualified staff, and prepare all children for college, career, and civic readiness;
NYS PTA supports the NYS Educational Conference Board School Aid and Foundation Aid proposals in full, ensuring adequacy, equity, clarity, predictability, flexibility and accountability.
Support targeted funding to assist struggling schools, English Language Learners, student with disabilities, school safety initiatives, and CTE Programs for all students, strengthen mental health supports for students and educators, and expand learning opportunities for children;
Modify the tax cap to better reflect the fiscal realities of schools, by providing an “allowable levy growth factor” of at least 2 percent, implementing adjustments related to BOCES capital improvements and PILOT properties, amending the carryover provision, and eliminating the supermajority requirement, all of which disregard uncontrollable costs, create greater educational inequities, and limit local determination of educational opportunity;
Support legislation that would change the method of funding charter schools to eliminate any adverse impact on existing school districts and ensure charter school accountability;
Oppose unfunded mandates;
Oppose the diversion of public funds from public schools for vouchers and tuition tax credits;
Support fiscal independence for the Big Five City school districts;
Support adequate funding for school districts to provide continuing professional development for educators, school-related professionals, school leaders, and other school staff;
Support adequate, predictable, and equitable funding for all school districts that includes continued funding for maintenance and modernization of school facilities, and funding for general school operations that honors past funding commitments, and prioritize payment of past approved reimbursements due to schools;
Support full funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), and all other federal laws affecting the education of children and youth in New York State;
Support adequate and equitable access to music and arts education for all children and youth;
Support full-day kindergarten and universal pre-K for all students & adequate and equitable funding for universal pre-K and full-day kindergarten;
Support efforts to maintain optimal and lower-class size for instruction at all levels;
Support meaningful and expanded diploma options for all students;
Support a meaningful review of, and amendments to, pathways to graduation and high school exit requirements;
Support meaningful local adoption and implementation of restorative practices in schools;
Support adoption and implementation of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies, curriculum, initiatives, and practices in all schools;
Strengthen College and Career Pathways;
Support funding and services for Part 154 regulation implementation;
Support expansion and implementation of Farm to Market programs for improved school meal nutritional value;
Ensure continued implementation of and state support for universal school meals for all students, while advocating for federal support for universal school meals for all;
Support adequate staffing of school-related professionals, including, but not limited to, school counselors, licensed clinical social workers, school nurses, and other support personnel;
Support a ratio of no greater than 250 students to one school counselor, as per the American School Counselors Association;
Support full funding for all increased expenses needed to ensure a safe environment for all students and staff;
Support funding for and implementation of digital and tech equity for all students and staff; and
Support the creation and implementation of Comprehensive Sexuality Health Education programs.
Safe and Nurturing Environments
Support appropriate and timely delivery of required services for all children and youth, including, but not limited to, services specified in individual educational plans, 504 plans, academic intervention services, and other required services;
Support healthy children and youth evidence-based initiatives, including those addressing mental, social-emotional, and physical health needs;
Support the development of positive and inclusive school climates and cultures;
Support increased equitable and evidence-based services and programs for prevention, treatment, and recovery initiatives for children and youth for alcohol, to***co, cannabis (ma*****na) and other substance use disorders;
Support legislation that regulates the manufacturing, marketing, and use of electronic ci******es and other va**ng devices;
Support a ban on flavored to***co-related products, including menthol and mint flavors;
Continue to oppose the commercialization, normalization, and sale of recreational cannabis (ma*****na);
Support the adoption of stricter regulations, oversight, and enforcement of the manufacturing, marketing, and labeling of cannabis products;
Support the adoption of stricter laws and regulations for the manufacturing, marketing, and labeling of cannabidiol (CBD) and related products;
Support policies and initiatives that engage home, school, and community in violence prevention planning and measures;
Promote educational programs for increased awareness of current gun possession laws, safe storage of guns and ammunition, and emphasize the effects of misuse of guns;
Support legislation, regulations, and education regarding Intimate Partner and Domestic Violence;
Support quality, affordable, and accessible school-based before-school, and after-school programs;
Support initiatives to require the use of appropriate and safe seat belts on all school and charter buses;
Advocate for improved child nutrition, including prevention of disordered eating, and promoting healthy levels of physical activity;
Support legislation and regulations that limit a student’s exposure to foods and beverages containing pesticide-tolerant bioengineered, genetically modified (GMO) and genetically engineered (GE) foods;
Support legislation, policies, and regulations that protect children and youth when using the Internet, wireless devices, social media and other forms of electronic communication;
Support initiatives that foster a school environment free of toxic substances;
Support expansion of lead-free and PFAS-free water laws, regulations and initiatives;
Support funding and services for Raise the Age implementation;
Support legislation, policies, and regulations that minimize student exposure to dangers posed by multi-lane highways, and bus stop locations;
Support legislation, regulations, and policies that create safe, inclusive, supportive, affirming, and accepting school environments for LGBTQIA+ and gender non-conforming students; and
Support legislation, regulations, and policies that protect children and youth from the dangers of gambling, including the monetization of video gaming.
Parent and Family Engagement
Support the development and implementation of meaningful New York State Family Engagement Standards by the Board of Regents;
Support representation of NYS PTA as a strong voice for parents and families on statewide and local interagency parent and family cabinets/councils;
Support the development and implementation of effective parent and family engagement plans as required under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA); and
Support expansion of Statewide Family Engagement Centers.
https://nyspta.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/NYS-PTA-Legislative-Priorities-2025-2026-FINAL.pdf
