“Since the beginning of this public health crisis, our students and their families have shouldered many burdens with respect to their education. With that said, our graduating seniors have truly been robbed of a once in a lifetime experience, and school districts across the state are looking for state guidance on how to properly acknowledge their accomplishments without endangering public safety.

“New York State has without a doubt been a leader throughout this crisis, however they have failed to issue any guidance on this issue despite the fact that several other states have. New York State needs to follow suit, and they need to do so immediately so that school districts can prepare. New York State students and school districts have and continue to do their part to flatten the curve. The superintendents and school officials are doing the best possible job under these circumstances, but they need guidance to continue to ensure their students’ and their families’ safety. We must find a way to acknowledge these students’ accomplishments amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, and the guidance must come from the executive as soon as possible to assist these school districts in issuing direction.”