As we enter the 2025–26 school year, the call to stand united has never been stronger. Imagine the power if every district stood together. Membership in NYSASCSD isn’t just about funding or the Maisto case, it’s about standing with peers, shaping the future, and ensuring that the unique challenges of small city districts are heard at the highest levels of government. If your district is not among them, you risk missing out on a united collective voice that is shaping the future of education in Albany and Washington, DC.

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Membership Matters. Here’s Why:

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• Collective Advocacy: When small city districts stand together, policymakers, including the Governor’s Office, Division of Budget, NYSED leadership, and legislative committees, listen. Policymakers actively seek the Association’s input on Foundation Aid, graduation measures, accountability, and more. Our united front ensures that the unique challenges of small city schools are understood and addressed at both the state and federal levels.

• Collective Strength, Individual Gain: Even if your district is financially stable, being
  part of the Association strengthens your position. United, we not only safeguard resources, but also expand influence for every small city school district.

• Access to Decision-Makers: Members benefit from direct engagement with state
  leaders, legislators, and education policymakers — opportunities that individual districts may not secure on their own. 

• Professional Network: Membership connects superintendents, board members, and administrators across the state to share best practices, collaborate on solutions, and serve as a resource to one another. Your ‘network’ truly is your ‘net worth’ may not secure on their own.

• Information and Access: Regular legislative alerts, NYS Regents meeting updates, and monthly Zoom calls with the NYS Commissioner’s leadership team keep members ahead of the curve.

• Strategic Resources: From policy papers and legal updates to timely analyses of issues like Foundation Aid inequities, members gain tools to inform local decision-making and strengthen their advocacy.

• Events: Annual Budget Seminar, Annual Education Conference, and advocacy sessions at NYSCOSS and NYSSBA conventions give members the inside track on critical issues.

• Thought Leadership and Retreats: Exclusive events like the Governance Retreat give members a seat at the table for shaping strategy, building relationships, and driving innovation in small city education.

• Policy Influence: The Association has been called to testify before the Regents, the Rockefeller Institute, and legislative committees, ensuring small city concerns are front and center in statewide education policy.

• Support and Expertise: From analyzing state aid data to navigating regulations unique to small city districts, members gain access to expertise and legal guidance designed specifically for their needs.

• Student Scholarships: The New York State Association of Small City School Districts is
  committed to celebrating the promise and potential of our students. Each year, we award two
  scholarships to outstanding graduates from small city school districts who have demonstrated
  academic achievement, leadership, resilience, and service to their communities.
  These two scholarships: Small City Schools & Robert E. Biggerstaff are designed to support the
  next generation of leaders as they pursue higher education and future opportunities. Application
  details, eligibility criteria, and deadlines will be posted here each year.

• Superintendent Coaching Service: The New York State Association of Small City
  School Districts is proud to launch a Superintendent Coaching Service at the Annual
  Conference in June 2026 — a member benefit designed to support, equip, and strengthen district
  leaders. For more information or to get involved, please contact: Elizabeth “Beth” Biggerstaff, Deputy Executive Director at beb@biggerstaff-firm.com

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This year, the Association’s membership goal is 100% participation. Every district that stands
with us strengthens the Association’s ability to secure fair Foundation Aid, advocate for Pre-K
expansion, shape accountability systems, and influence the policies that define the future of
small city schools. Together, we can demonstrate the undeniable strength of small city districts.
Divided, our voice weakens; united, we set the agenda.

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