Supporters of Public Education Rally to Be Heard

On Friday, November 1st, the Port Jefferson Station Teachers Association, in coalition  with other supporters of public education, will be picketing in front of the Smithtown office of New York State Senator John J. Flanagan , beginning at 3:30 pm.

Senator Flanagan, an ally of NYSED Commissioner John King, is one of two state senators who represent portions of the Comsewogue School District.  Additionally he chairs the New York State Senate’s Committee on Education.  He has been hosting hearings around the state on the effectiveness of New York State’s education reforms.  While the hearings are open to the public,  Flanagan controls the meeting by limiting the speakers with an invite only policy. This picketing event is an opportunity for everyone, parents, students and teachers, to share their opinions about education directly with Senator Flanagan.

Senator Flanagan’s top campaign contributor in 2012 was Michelle Rhee’s Students First organization.  Students First is an out-of-state, for profit organization who’s primary objective is school privatization.  Senator Flanagan’s support of this reckless school reform agenda in New York State, coupled with his support for NYSED Commissioner John King’s common core high stakes testing reforms demonstrates the influence that corporate money is having on our local politicians.

The Port Jefferson Station Teachers Association invites all those who  support quality public education to join us on Friday, November 1st, to demand that Senator Flanagan listen to the voices of his constituents who support public education rather than the voices of corporate “deformers” who merely fund his senatorial campaigns.

Senator Flanagan’s office is located at 260 East Main Street, Smithtown, NY 11787.