New York State School System by Jean Jacobs

 JEAN JACOBS

GOP MAYORAL CANDIDATE

LESSON IN SCHOOL LAW 101

I have the background and experience to speak to the New York State School System and the laws that govern the educational system. Recently Ms. Andi Turco Levin, GOP Candidate for Mayor  has proposed that the City of Kingston Investigate Schools in Freeman article on August 27, 2011. Ms. Turco Levins proposal would over step the authority of the City, as I have outlined in my statement today. There are rules and regulations and standards of compliance that clearly defines and governs the State and Federal Governments role in education. Based on STATE LAW Kingston City School District is out of city government's jurisdiction. Turco Levin called for the city to investigate the Kingston School district and HELP school officials put procedures in place. Procedures are in place as defined in School Law and the chain of command identifies with every one's role and responsibility, which I have confirmed in my statement.

Both the governor and the Legislature have proposed and enacted numerous statutes in the Education Law that affect education at the state level. Section l604 for common school districts, section 1804 for central school districts, section 1950 for boards of cooperative educational services (BOCES) and Articles 51, 52, and 52a for city school districts' specify school duties. In addition the Legislature has delegate authority to the New York State Board of Regents through the Education Law. The regents and the State Education Department SED also can establish policy adopting rules and regulations within the limitations of the state law. These regulations have the authority of law, unless overruled by decisions of the states courts or the Legislature, or until superseded by the promulgating agency. The State delegates powers to school districts as it does to municipalities. School districts are considered branches or agencies of the state government. School boards must develop and implement policies in some areas and may do the same in other areas where the state and federal government have not spoken.

The New York State Eduction Department under the direction of the commissioner of education, is the administrative arm of the Board of Regents. It is charged with carrying out legislative mandates and the Regents policies. The State Education Department is charged with the general management and supervision of all public schools and all of the educational work of the state, including the operations of the University of New York State and the exercise of all the powers and duties of the Regents and the commissioner of education.

The Commissioner of Eduction:
The commissioner of eduction is the president of the University of the State of New York ad the Chief Executive officer of the State Education Department. The commissioner of education's powers and duties are contained in section 305 of the educational law. They include enforcement of laws relating to the educational system, execution of all educational policies determined by the Board of Regents, supervision of all schools and institutions subject to the provisions of the Education Law, granting and annulment of teaching certificates, review of appeals and petitions pursuant to section 310 and execution of other such powers and duties determined by the Board of Regents.

School Boards:
A school board is  corporate body that oversees and manages a public school district's affairs, personnel and properties. Its members are elected by the residents of the school district the board oversees. The term corporate body indicates that a school board is treated as a corporation, a legal entity that has an existence distinct and apart from its members and has the capacity for continuous existence without regard to changes in its membership. As such, the legality of the school board's contracts as well as the validity of its policies and resolutions do not depend on its individual members. Board members do not assume any personal liability for the school district; generally they take action official action only by majority vote at an official meeting.

City school district

In those cities with populations exceeding 125,000 (New York City, Buffalo, Yonkers, Rochester, and Syracuse), the city school districts are coterminous with the city limits, and education is part of the municipal budget. These districts cannot incur debts or levy taxes. The governmental structure in all of these except for New York is that of an elected or appointed board of education. New York's public education is headed by a chancellor and has a 13-member all-appointed Department of Education Panel for Education Policy.^[65]

The city school districts for the 57 cities having fewer than 125,000 people are separate from the municipal government and are authorized to levy taxes and incur debt. Each of them is governed by an elected board of education with five, seven, or nine members. Districts for smaller cities often extend beyond the city borders and are referred to as "enlarged city school districts", seven of which have reorganized as "central city school districts".<sup>[65]

I am running for office because I believe I have the requisite experience and skill needed to be successful as your next Mayor in the City of Kingston.

GOP Candidate for Mayor
Jean Jacobs</sup>



Jean Jacobs "A Leader That Listens"

 

Jean Jacobs "Mayor for A Day"

"IF I WERE"
MAYOR FOR A DAY
SPENDING FREEZE

I Jean C. Jacobs Mayor of the City of Kingston am imposing an immediate spending freeze on all non-essential spending for all city departments as of September 1, 2011.  

With the possibility of starting the next fiscal year with a budget deficit, I am imposing an immediate spending freeze on all non-essential spending for all city departments.  Every department within the City has a Departmental Budget they must manage and be responsible and accountable for. Let us take into consideration some serious financial decisions that will be affecting the Mayor and the Common Council in the immediate weeks approaching, when the budget will be presented to the public for the 2012 fiscal year.
My professional career as a finance director tells me we are facing a serious financial deficit with little revenue generating possibilities in sight.

If I were Mayor for a day I would facilitate a mandatory department head meeting TODAY and detail the facts and figures outlining the limited funds in contingency which can only be used for emergencies as of September 1, 2011. I am imposing a city wide FREEZE ON SPENDING as of September 2011. I do not want to be in a position as the Leader of my city to borrow additional revenue to offset additional expenses at year end, the city cannot afford. I am also going to be examining our current bond rating and the city's debt obligations and ways to retire that debt before I support additional borrowing. I will also look at what the financial impact of future borrowing will have on our municipal budget 5, 10 and even 20 years from now.

As Mayor I will put together a Comprehensive Capital Improvement Plan where projects are prioritized based on the city's ability to pay and the needs of the community. Without a plan informed decisions cannot be made.

As Mayor Maintaining strong Balanced Budget Management, is a top priority for me. I am also running because current administration has exhibited lack of judgement when it comes to spending YOUR TAX DOLLARS.

Mayoral GOP Candidate
Jean C. Jacobs

ELECT JEAN JACOBS MAYOR

FISCAL MANAGEMENT A PRIORITY

WHO IS MINDING THE STORE?

I am known in the City of Kingston and have acquired the title of the "Taxpayers Watchdog" for many years, during my public service commitment to the City of Kingston. When I was the Board of Education President COMMUNITY was at the Top of the Organizational Chart. The BOE reports to the Community as elected officials.When you are a finance professional, you question each and every dollar that is spent because the City Governmental Officials are spending taxpayer’s money each time they vote on a proposition that contains cost. Unfortunately I could not attend the finance meeting last evening and I will report today as a taxpayer and a Mayoral Candidate to my public as it relates to the following issues.

The City of Kingston Approximate Fund Balance 2.7 Million. I stand corrected if this is not accurate but this is my estimate. City of Kingston Contingency Fund until the end of the 2011 is approximately $180,000. As a finance professional, I know that the Fund Balance must remain at a certain amount and cannot be depleted due to bond ratings.

Now we have a limited amount of cash reserve available until the end of the year so each and every time we spend taxpayer’s money we should be questioning even $10.00. I hold the present governmental officials accountable as it relates to spending taxpayers dollars and I have discussed this on many occasions during public comment before the common council. The contingency fund should remain at the current amount with careful consideration given to each and every dollar we spend over the next five months. This is called financial planning. All three candidates running for Mayor, that presently sit on the Common Council, should realize the importance of this.

Last evening all council members without even questioning the $10,000 to replace floors and redo bathrooms at the Everett Hodge Center voted for this. I would have been extremely verbal regarding this request for funding and prior to approving funding would have asked for an estimate and a time frame for completion. Ladies and Gentlemen I want to remind all of you that the Everett Hodge Center is a city owned building and the city has an obligation to maintain the building without exception. As taxpayers we must maintain our homes and we should hold the City of Kingston accountable to maintain buildings that their tax dollars are supporting.

Next order of business: City Clerk requests all with zero financial impact to the budget. I totally disagree with this. WHY: There are additional costs that were not in the original budget and careful consideration should be given when spending taxpayer's dollars. I would never have agreed to a Budget Transfer to cover the cost of a part time cleaner at the Hodge Center in the amount of $10,000. I request that you do the math prior to voting on this expense. What is the fiscal impact for the year 2011 and in the next year’s budget? These are the questions that should be asked by city representatives. The City of Kingston owns and operates the Everett Hodge Center and the City of Kingston should be maintaining their own building.

Currently based on my financial analysis the City of Kingston is in a serious financial deficit and the only way to sustain the exorbitant costs facing our city is to BOND. We have already bonded 100,000 for the Hodge Center and the Mayor is requesting approval for bonding additional funds up to $100,000 to cover tipping fees and additional costs for asbestos abatement. I can assure you that the bonding institutions will begin to question this if bonding continues as a pattern to sustain the financial stability of the City of Kingston.

As for the comment all with zero impact to the budget is a play on words. When you are a finance person you already realize that current budget has been unable to sustain additional expenses and therefore we must take from the contingency. This is poor financial planning. Presently the City of Kingston has been bonding for every project that has a high cost attached and therefore represents we are not living within our means and the amount in the contingency cannot possibly afford these additional costs and with the State 2% tax Cap that will be implemented, we are facing serious financial concerns.

In summary my financial observation defines a serious financial deficit and a 2012 budget preparation and projection I am sure will have an increase to the taxpayers. The only way out is to bond to create an additional surplus to meet the needs and maintain the city financially for the next several months.

Jean Jacobs

GOP Mayoral Candidate

City of Kingston

The City of Kingston needs a combination of expertise that includes professional management abilities, business expertise, financial proficiency, people skills, expert training and practical experience to head one of the largest business operations "The City of Kingston".

Elect Jean Jacobs Mayor Lawn Signs

 

ELECT JEAN JACOBS MAYOR

 

ELECT JEAN JACOBS MAYOR

Why I Want to Be Your Next Mayor

By Jean C. Jacobs

“I don’t want to run on the basis that I am a woman, I want to run on the fact that I have the skills to lead Kingston forward”.

All my life experiences have prepared me to be a candidate for the next Mayor of Kingston.

“MY MISSION”

My primary Mission for the City of Kingston will be first and foremost to continue to provide a safe environment for all citizens and the desire to raise our children in a city that is economically vibrant, and full of potential.

“MY VISION”

My Vision for Kingston is a beautiful, safe city that promotes a high quality of life and a sound economy through excellence in government, where businesses want to locate, where residents and families experience an affordable livable community that they are proud to be apart of.

“MY GOALS

& EXPECTATIONS FOR THE FUTURE

OF THE CITY OF KINGSTON”

1.       Demanding excellence from myself and others

2.       Public Safety: Taking an aggressive and balanced approach to reducing crime

3.       Collaboration with many different partners including federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

4.       Working with State and County Officials in developing tax saving initiatives that will reduce the tax burden of property owners and business establishments

5.       Creating a pro-active approach for researching additional savings for governmental health benefits by investigating competitive bids for personnel and retirees

6.       Create a Master Plan for Neighborhood Improvements

7.       Work to build a base for future Shared Consolidation Cost Effective Services

8.       Strong fiduciary applications, budget effectiveness in reaching future goals

9.       Neighborhood Empowerment, Programs to Reach our Youth

10.   Aggressively engage in Economic Development

11.   To respect and promote our community

12.   To stress excellence, integrity, accountability and honesty

13.   Address the social and economic conditions that breed criminal behavior

14.   Motivating others by simply setting the example for integrity, courage,

common sense, hard work and dedication

15.   Honor our past and work to shape our future

16.   Welcome the involvement and commitment that produces a greater quality of life with citizens and city government working in partnership

17.   Making sure city government is both frugal and innovative constantly looking for more cost-effective efficiencies to meet our citizen’s expectations

18.   Elimination of wasteful spending

19.   Attract new businesses and nurture existing businesses

20.   Promote our city to potential investors

21.   Increase in property values

22.   Creating Jobs so our children can return to their Hometown to raise their families.

“Preserve our Heritage by working Together to Improve Our Community”

I am running for Mayor because I love this city and I firmly believe we can do better.

I am a life long resident and my 35 years of experience in the business community, and in local government give me the tools I will need to find creative and effective solutions too many of the problems facing our magnificent historical city. I am a proud graduate of Kingston High School and all of my four children Robin, Daniel, Jared and Jessica.

As a community we must decide if we are satisfied with the status quo or if we are ready to take Kingston in a new direction. It is time for a Leader that knows the challenges of making a payroll, who has experience as an administrator and finance director of a large Non-For Profit Corporation developing million dollar budgets, working with state auditors and a leader who understands the day to day operations of local government. In a time when Kingston is facing an enormous budget deficit, I will offer financial responsibility and stability by investigating additional revenue initiatives with careful attention in controlling cost and spending at the same time.

We need to rebuild trust in government with integrity and transparency, as well as place a high value on ethics. We need leadership that will foster teamwork among elected officials, city employees and all citizens. I will work with the police department to increase police presence on our streets, and improve police response time to improve public safety. One of my future goals is to expand the police department. I will also improve city service, making them innovative, cost effective, without burdening the taxpayers.

While raising my four children I balanced a fulltime career and devoted over 35 years of my time to Community Service including Community Boards and Organizations:

Superintendent’s School to Work Program, KCSD School Board, KCSD Board President, Project Save Legislation Safety Committee Representative, Kingston Library Board, Girl Scouts of America Board, Girl Scout and Brownie Leader 15 years, PTA President for over 20 years, Booster Club Band President, Building Leadership Facilitator, Middle School Parent Life Time Achievement Award, Student Council Plaque Honored in my name JWB Middle School, District Wide Parent Council Representative, District Leadership Team Representative, KHS, Middle States Committee Representative, Coordinator, KHS Renaissance Program, President, Kingston Taxpayers Alliance, President, Join Your Neighbors Coalition, President, “The Team That Cares," Volunteer Everett Hodge Center (Food For Thought Program), President, Friends of Public Access, Alderman Candidate Ward 5 2005-2007, Chairman, City of Kingston Republican Committee, Coordinator and member of Guardian Angels Chapter, City of Kingston, Local TV Media Specialist Host Local TV show 5 years: “Jacobs Live People for People”. “Chairman”appointed by Mayor Sottile, of the City Advisory Task Force for Cat Legislation, Healthy Women Committee Member, working with Public Health Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck, in Making Ulster County the Healthiest County in NYS. 

FAMILY VALUES: I live by strong morals taught to me by my parents; work hard, take responsibility for your actions, and always treat others with respect despite your differences. I am an extremely successful parent. Every one of my children have graduated college and have successful leadership positions in our society today which includes: a Neo-Natal Nurse Specialist, Elementary School Teacher, Research Analyst, and Chief Personal Presidential Security on Air Force One. I attribute their success to my leadership and parenting skills over the last 40 years and more importantly I never lost site of my life long commitment to my community. 

Jean C. Jacobs

ELECT JEAN JACOBS MAYOR "LAWN SIGNS"

LAWN SIGNS

ELECT JEAN JACOBS MAYOR

This weekend, I will have lawn signs ready for distribution in my community. If you are interested in putting a lawn sign on your lawn, please contact me on face book or on my blogs or my e-mail sweetshope@aol.com.

I am asking for your support ELECT JEAN JACOBS MAYOR and vote for me in the Primary on September 13, 2011.

"A LEADER THAT LISTENS"

ELECT JEAN JACOBS MAYOR

Elect Jean Jacobs Mayor "A LEADER THAT LISTENS"

 

ELECT JEAN JACOBS MAYOR

 

ELECT JEAN JACOBS MAYOR

 

ELECT JEAN JACOBS MAYOR

JEAN JACOBS

GOP CANDIDATE

MAYOR CITY OF KINGSTON

I have created a new Blog in an effort to open the line of communication and create a dialogue with the citizens of the City of Kingston. I will be coming to your door to ask for your support and vote on September 13, 2011 in the Primary Election.

There are four Republicans running for the position of Mayor in the City of Kingston. If you are interested in donating to my campaign please send you donations to

Friends to Elect Jean Jacobs

Mayor of the City of Kingston

139 Wall Street

Kingston, New York 12401