July 3, 2008
DFER Education Warrior: Assemblyman Sam Hoyt
New York Assemblyman Sam Hoyt is a true crusader for education. In his 16 years serving the 144th Assembly district, Assemblyman Hoyt has fought hard for increased funding in education and has been an influential proponent of charter schools.
A self-described "leading proponent for charter schools," Assemblyman Hoyt has a history of standing behind progressive education. He was a strong and early supporter of charter schools in New York - long before it was popular - often defending the concept and legislation in legislative sessions and budget deliberations. In 2004 he was honored by the New York Charter Schools Association (NYCSA) with the annual Charter School Champion Award along with New York City Schools Chancellor Joel I. Klein. At that time, NYCSA President Bill Phillips stated that Hoyt was "a fighter for children and a hero to the charter school movement, particularly in the City of Buffalo where charters are changing the face of public education."
Upon receiving his award, Assemblyman Hoyt stated, "Children and parents deserve choices when it comes to their education and charters provide an option to the status quo."
In 2007, Assemblyman Hoyt proudly supported an important piece of legislation that raised the charter school cap from 100 to 200 schools. This was a huge step for charters, as the original cap had been reached in January of 2006. The new amendment has allowed New York's budding charter school movement to flourish, and new schools are opening up around the state.
Assemblyman Hoyt's exceptional education track record is not only limited to charter schools, however. In April of 2008 he secured state funding for ninety-two State Police School Resource Officers in New York State schools. These disciplinary officers monitor students, conduct investigations, and respond to criminal calls in school districts, but former Governor Eliot Spitzer had threatened to cut state funding for these officers from his proposed executive budget. Hitting even closer to home, Hoyt obtained a $1.59 million increase in state aid for his district's Grand Island Public Schools system. The district will receive a record amount of state funding in the 2008-2009 state budget.
We are proud to give Assemblyman Hoyt an "Education Warrior Award" for his unwavering support of public school choice, as well as his work to improve each student's educational experience.
