By Kathianne Boniello
State Sen. Frank Padavan (R-Bellerose) earned the praises of several northeastern Queens school superintendents this week after the longtime elected official announced more than $300,000 in funding for student performance programs.
School District 25 in Flushing, School District 26 in Bayside and School District 29 in Rosedale will benefit from the funds, which will go toward remedial instruction or enrichment curriculums that seek to improve academic achievement, Padavan said in a news release.
“The bottom line is still about improving student performance,” the senator said. “These additional funds will help with that.”
Of the $335,000 secured by Padavan from the 2002-2003 state budget, School Districts 25 and 26 will receive $150,000 each, while School District 29 will get $35,000.
Padavan’s senate district, which stretches from Bayside, Glen Oaks, Little Neck, Queens Village, Douglaston, Fresh Meadows, Bellerose, parts of Whitestone and College Point in northeast Queens, includes a part of School District 29.
Michelle Fratti, superintendent of School District 25, applauded Padavan’s efforts.
“Sen. Padavan continues to be an advocate for the children of School District 25,” she said. “This funding will supplement programs in expressive arts, bilingual services and enrichment — all programs that will improve overall student performance.”
School District 25 includes the communities of Flushing, Whitestone, College Point, Bay Terrace and parts of Fresh Meadows.
This year’s funding also represents an increase over similar funding procured by Padavan last year, from $310,000 in 2001-2002 to the current $335,000.
School District 26 Superintendent Claire McIntee also commended the veteran senator, who recently celebrated 30 years in public office.
“This money is crucial for remediation and enrichment programs,” she said. “Every school in District 26 really counts on this additional aid.”
School District 26 includes schools in Bayside, Douglaston, Little Neck, Oakland Gardens, Glen Oaks, Auburndale, Hollis Hills, and parts of Flushing, Fresh Meadows, Floral Park and Bellerose.
School District 29 stretches from parts of Bellerose to Queens Village and through Rosedale and other sections of southeast Queens.
Reach reporter Kathianne Boniello by e-mail at Timesledger@aol.com or call 229-0300, Ext. 157.
