NYSSBA Convention

[Bill Grau]

hi,

I was dissapointed to see that NYSSBA is chraging $260 (early bird rate) to attend their convention virtually.  I have attended 2 conferences for work that are normally in person and both have been at no charge.  I think it is very insensitive of NYSSBA to charge this much given the uncertainty of our budgets and the possibility of a 20% cut in our aid.  Is anyone going to "send" people this year?

[NYSSBA]

Good morning. I'd like to clarify that all Convention 2020 sessions, including the Law Conference, will be recorded and available to all registrants until December 31, 2020. This provides the opportunity for our members to attend even more (or all) of the educational sessions! For many of the sessions (including the Law Conference), NYSSBA staff will be available afterward to personally answer any questions that did not get answered (or asked) during the live session. There will be no need to take time off from work or incur hefty travel expenses. The entire Convention will be at your fingertips. If you have any questions or concerns, please email [e-mail]

[Teresa Baldinucci]

I'm hugely disappointed that the Law Conference is being split across 2 days. Why did they do that? I would have to take 2 days off from work to attend. Instead, I'm not attending the one thing I enjoy most about the convention. Bad decision, NYSSBA.

[Marissa Mims]

We decided as a board back in March that we would forgo both the state and national conference this year because we were cutting conferences for staff. I am sure NYSSBA is losing quite a bit from the conference, summer conferences and workshops. I am considering paying my own way to the virtual event. The content is always good and I think for all the workshops it's reasonable. The business meeting is free so at the very least attend that so you can vote on resolutions.

[Cara Lajewski]

We had a discussion at our board meeting to gauge interest and availability. We have 2 people who will definitely make the most of the conference, attending the webinars as well as taking advantage of the networking that will take place. Obviously, costs have to be scrutinized this year, but the conference registration last year was $490, so they did reduce the fee. I love that those who register will have access to ALL the webinars being offered, as there are many times concurrent presentations are of interest to me. I also presume that NYSSBA generates a decent amount of their yearly revenue from the conference between the attendees and the vendors, and while some on-site convention costs do not exist, they still have organizational costs. I liken it to those in the community asking for school tax money back if the district is hybrid or digital.

[Richard A. Drahms]

Good morning,
At our August BOE meeting we decided not to attend the NYSSBA virtual conference due to the possibility of the governor's 20% reduction in State aid. The conference has always been well organized and informational.

[Shawn M Corey]

I was also very disappointed that NYSSBA was charging so much. If memory serves, this is very similar to how much the in person conventions have been. I certainly understand the value of the conference, but since NYSSBA doesn't have to pay for space, you'd think the price would have gone down.

We usually encourage as many members to attend as possible. This year we have toned down our encouragement for attendance.

[Deborah A Klein]

I am still very interested in going. I received so much information in the last one held in NYC. All of our Board is encouraged to go virtually if they can be there for a good amount of the conference. I agree that it is not worth it if you are only going to listen to one or two of the presentations.

[Jacqueline Robinson]

Most likely not sending anyone.