Respect public education. That was the message a dozen local speakers shared to a packed house including Sen. Seward and Assemblyman Lopez on March 12. Public education is a cornerstone of our communities and democracy. Gov. Cuomo's gimmicks disguised as reforms will hurt public schools by taking away local control, under funding, and over testing. We were able to hear how to best support public education from professional educators, parents, and students themselves. Our gathering of a couple hundred concerned citizens is just one small part of a large statewide movement to stop this attack on public education. Terry Burton did a great job laying out the problems with the governor's "reforms." Superintendent Mummenthey's message on the value of teachers was inspiring. However, the students stole the show. Greg Medek of Schoharie and Joseph Baron of C-RCS gave passionate speeches highlighting the inspirational work from their teachers and the lack of respect from the state. Sen. Seward and Assemblyman Lopez gave us hope that the governors funding proposal would be separated from his reforms and greatly increased. The Senate is proposing to end the GEA this year and the Assembly set forth a plan to end it in two years. Now the negotiations begin with the governor. We must continue to let the governor know that his proposed changes will hurt the children of this state.