Pressing Issues in K-12 Education in New York
The "Pressing Issues in K-12 Education in New York" event is a panel discussion organized by the Government Law Center at Albany Law School. This session is part of the 2026 Warren M. Anderson Legislative Series and is scheduled for February 27, 2026, from 10:15 AM to 11:30 AM. The event will take place both in person at Albany Law School and virtually via Zoom, offering accessibility to a broader audience.
The panel will examine the landscape of K-12 education law and policy at both federal and state levels, with a particular focus on debates occurring in the new legislative session in New York. Key topics include state budget considerations, legislative proposals affecting education, and strategies to support students with disabilities and promote equity in K-12 education.
The discussion will be moderated by Kyle Belokopitsky, Esq. ’05, Executive Director of the New York State Congress of Parents and Teachers. Panelists include Hon. Shelley B. Mayer, New York State Senator for the 37th Senate District; Dr. Jeffrey Matteson, Senior Deputy Commissioner for Education Policy at the New York State Education Department; Robert Reilly, Esq. ’90, General Counsel for NYSUT; Brian Cechnicki, Executive Director of the Association of School Business Officials of New York; and Shanell C. Brown, M.Ed., President of Black and Brown Educators of the Capital District and Assistant Principal at the City School District of Albany.
This free event is open to the public and offers 1.0 Professional Practice Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit for attorneys. The session is part of the Government Law Review Symposium on K-12 Education Law, "Transforming Futures: Education, Law, and Youth Wellbeing," and will be followed by a lunch keynote presented by Ann Marie Sullivan, MD, Commissioner of the New York State Office of Mental Health.
Categories
Speakers(10)
Ann Marie Sullivan
Commissioner at New York State Office of Mental Health
Ann Marie Sullivan, MD, serves as the Commissioner of the New York State Office of Mental Health, focusing on mental health services and policies across the state.
Brian Cechnicki
Executive Director at Association of School Business Officials of New York
Brian Cechnicki leads the Association of School Business Officials of New York, supporting school business officials in managing financial and operational aspects of educational institutions.
Dr. Jeffrey Matteson
Senior Deputy Commissioner for Education Policy at New York State Education Department
Dr. Jeffrey Matteson oversees education policy development and implementation at the New York State Education Department, aiming to enhance educational outcomes statewide.
Hon. Shelley B. Mayer
New York State Senator at 37th Senate District
Hon. Shelley B. Mayer represents the 37th Senate District in the New York State Senate, focusing on education policy and legislative initiatives affecting K-12 education.
Kyle Belokopitsky
Executive Director at New York State Congress of Parents and Teachers
Kyle Belokopitsky, Esq. ’05, serves as the Executive Director of the New York State Congress of Parents and Teachers, where she advocates for the educational and welfare needs of children across the state.
Kyle Belokopitsky, Esq.
Executive Director at New York State Congress of Parents and Teachers
Kyle Belokopitsky, Esq., serves as the Executive Director of the New York State Congress of Parents and Teachers, advocating for the educational and welfare needs of children across New York State.
Robert Reilly
General Counsel at NYSUT
Robert Reilly, Esq. ’90, serves as General Counsel for the New York State United Teachers, providing legal guidance on educational and labor matters.
Robert Reilly, Esq.
General Counsel at NYSUT
Robert Reilly, Esq., serves as General Counsel for the New York State United Teachers, providing legal guidance on issues affecting educators and educational institutions.
Shanell C. Brown
President at Black and Brown Educators of the Capital District
Shanell C. Brown, M.Ed., is the President of Black and Brown Educators of the Capital District and an Assistant Principal in the City School District of Albany, advocating for equity in education.
Shanell C. Brown, M.Ed.
President at Black and Brown Educators of the Capital District
Shanell C. Brown, M.Ed., is the President of Black and Brown Educators of the Capital District and serves as an Assistant Principal in the City School District of Albany, advocating for equity and inclusion in education.
Event Details
- Date
- February 27, 2026
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Albany, United States
- Albany Law School
- Pricing
- Free
- Audience
- Legal professionals, educators, policymakers, and the general public interested in K-12 education law and policy.
- CLE Credits
- 1.0 Professional Practice