Welcome to LHEC
Established in 1976, the LHEC is a joint project of the Lower Hudson Council of School Superintendents, Dutchess County School Boards Association, Rockland County School Boards Association and Westchester Putnam School Boards Association.  In 2024 the organization expanded to include Orange County. Our mission is to serve as a regional leadership hub in ​public education advocacy.
 ADVOCACY PRIORITIES 

Legislative Advocacy

The LHEC is advocating for:
  • State Aid - Legislative revisions to the NYS Foundation Aid formula should consider the adequacy and equity of funding school districts and ensure a transparent and predictable base of operational aid.
  • Tax Cap Revisions - A review of the tax levy cap formula and provisions is overdue since the legislation was passed in 2011.
  • Student Mental Health & School Safety - This is a critical need for all schools, requiring equitable access to address the increased needs of all students.
  • School Safety - Districts face difficulties hiring staff to ensure security and deal effectively with young people in a protective role.
  • Mandate Relief & Transparency - A thorough review of existing mandates and increased transparency prior to the enactment of new mandates would assist school districts in managing the significant cost burdens of compliance.
  • Special Act Public School Districts (SASD) - Measures are needed to ensure the fiscal and programmatic stability of Special Act public school districts.
  • Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) - Advocacy is needed BOCES can continue to be a key source of educational programs in career and technical education (CTE), special education, and adult education throughout the state.
  • Climate Resiliency - Aging buildings need improvements to allow for a comfortable and safe environment with the probability of increased heat and flooding, while districts look to comply with the zero-emission bus mandate.
  • Pre-Kindergarten Growth and Success - Ensuring all preschool-age children have access to a high-quality, affordable pre-K program is a worthy goal. Adequate state funding is critical in public school districts where a clear need has been identified.
  • School District Operations - To ensure operational efficiency, school districts need increased flexibility in developing school calendars and clarity around legal and regulatory requirements, especially for transportation.
  • Employee Retention and Recruitment - The ongoing teacher shortage requires both legislative and regulatory solutions to assist districts in ensuring qualified teachers in every classroom.