NYS education leaders promote conversation ahead of Election Day with Rochester stop

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — With only a few weeks until Election Day, state education leaders are hitting the ground running. They are traveling across New York State to share their message with elected officials.

Wednesday, that stop was Rochester. News 8's Natalie Kucko spoke with NYSUT and National Education Association leaders to learn more on their statewide campaign. Leaders say their goal is to connect with those running for, and serving, in public office on the issues they feel matter most.

The theme for this year's bus tour was "Common Ground Over Chaos."

"We were talking to our members who were really feeling disengaged and disempowered by the political climate, sick of the negativity out there, and watching what was happening in Congress and describing it as dysfunctional. They said we as educators want to stand for something different," said Melinda Person, who serves as NYSUT's president.

Officials are focused on discussions surrounding safety in public schools and a better overall learning environment for students and teachers.

"To listen to educators and to students, to community members about what it means for them to find that common ground over chaos at a time where in this country, where the entire society is coming out of the chaos of a pandemic. We believe strongly the adults in this system need to do something about it. As educators, we believe that's largely our role and responsibility to help lead the way," said Becky Pringle, president of the Nat'l Ed. Assoc.

By connecting with politicians across the state, leaders say their hope is to keep the topic of education at the top of the ticket.

"This election is a turning point for our country, and we want to make sure when we come out on the other side, we have elected officials prepared to move forward with solutions that are going to make a difference for working people in this state," said Person.

The tour continues across New York State with about 20 more stops to go before Election Day.