OK – so I have good news and bad news.

On the down side, the newly self-appointed lobbyist for students, Governor Andrew Cuomo (see my last column for details), is already failing at the job. Apparently he is under the impression that the “squeaky wheel gets the oil” argument has validity when it comes to state funding for education.

Cuomo does not dispute the fact that New York school funding is inequitable – less affluent districts are generally underfunded because wealthier communities argue (and win) that since they pay more taxes, they should receive more money in return. The governor/lobbyist says that “the needs-based argument is the stronger argument. It has righteousness. It has long-term values. It has equity. It has community.” What it does not seem to have is his support in any meaningful way since he does not seem inclined to use his “dual position” to do anything about it, saying that schools need to “demand more from themselves and get their own budgets in order.”

However, on the topic of demanding more from themselves, part of the good news is that five SCSD teachers demanded more of themselves, and earned National Board Certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

Melanie Addai and Jesse Goodglass, elementary teachers at Percy Hughes K-8 school, Cynthia Cronin, foreign language instructor at Nottingham High School, Stacy Griffin teaches art teacher at Meachem Elementary and Sharon Pernisi, math teacher at Clary Middle School. Their successful completion of the extensive and difficult one-to-three-year process results in their receiving what is considered the top certification for teachers in the field of education.

“We are extremely proud of our latest group of teachers to earn National Board Certification. This is a testament to their hard work and dedication to their profession and to the children of the Syracuse City School District,” said Superintendent Sharon L. Contreras.

More of the good news is that in order to recognize teachers who demand more of themselves, SCSD has launched the “31 Teachers, 31 Days” program to honor exceptional teachers. The collaboration among SCSD, Y94FM, the Syracuse Teachers Association, Syracuse 20/20, Say Yes to Education and Wegmans represents a community partnership that is committed to education and to honoring teachers who strive to provide Syracuse’s students with the best education possible.

A selection committee consisting of members from the Syracuse Teachers Association and Say Yes to Education will review the nominations and choose the top teachers. Daily throughout the month of May, an outstanding teacher will be recognized online and on air by Y94FM. There will be a calendar feature and the teacher of the day will be posted along with a photo and a brief bio at Y94FM.com. All 31 teachers will be individually honored for their contributions to the children of Syracuse.

This is an opportunity for all community members to show their appreciation for their children’s teachers. Anyone can nominate teachers, through Feb. 29, at Y94FM.com.

Future School is IN columns will feature this year’s five NBC teachers and the 31/31 honorees.