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City & State’s Education in New York summit will offer industry executives, public sector leaders and academics the opportunity to share ideas and debate over critical issues such as school choice, closing the achievement gap, and special education services. The full-day event brings together the most influential leaders and thinkers in New York’s education fields. Hear from the decision-makers who set policy and determine the future of New York’s education system.
Agenda
Times are subject to change.
Introduction of Keynote Speaker

Dr. K.L. Allen
Regional Vice President of the Northeast RegionWestern Governors University
The Evolving Landscape of Public Education in New York
New York’s public schools face a critical moment as they navigate rising student needs, budget constraints, class size limits, and an influx of new students. This panel will examine how decisions from classrooms to districts are shaping education statewide. Topics include funding, equity, curriculum changes, state initiatives, and the role of technology in supporting diverse learners. Join us for a thoughtful discussion on building a more inclusive and effective public education system in New York.
New York’s public schools face a critical moment as they navigate rising student needs, budget constraints, class size limits, and an influx of new students. This panel will examine how decisions from classrooms to districts are shaping education statewide. Topics include funding, equity, curriculum changes, state initiatives, and the role of technology in supporting diverse learners. Join us for a thoughtful discussion on building a more inclusive and effective public education system in New York.

Dwayne Andrews (Moderator)
Senior Vice President & General CounselPatrick B Jenkins & Associates

Jeffrey A. Matteson
Senior Deputy Commissioner for Education PolicyNew York State Board of Regents

Senator Shelley Mayer
ChairEducation Committee

Julie Marlette
DirectorHinman Straub
New York’s Higher Education Agenda: Progress, Pressures, and the Path Forward
New York is reshaping its higher education system with major investments in access, affordability, and student success. Under Governor Hochul, expansions in tuition aid and workforce programs are driving change—but challenges like funding uncertainty, student debt, campus safety, and mental health persist. This panel will explore the current state and future of New York’s colleges and universities, covering student rights, faculty roles, admissions, campus life, technology, and the rise in antisemitism. Panelists will discuss how institutions can adapt to meet student needs while upholding the mission of public higher education.
New York is reshaping its higher education system with major investments in access, affordability, and student success. Under Governor Hochul, expansions in tuition aid and workforce programs are driving change—but challenges like funding uncertainty, student debt, campus safety, and mental health persist. This panel will explore the current state and future of New York’s colleges and universities, covering student rights, faculty roles, admissions, campus life, technology, and the rise in antisemitism. Panelists will discuss how institutions can adapt to meet student needs while upholding the mission of public higher education.

Senator John C. Liu
ChairmanNew York City Education Committee

Dr. William Murphy
Deputy Commissioner for Higher EducationNYS Department of Education

Dr. K.L. Allen
Regional Vice President of the Northeast RegionWestern Governors University
Integrated Approaches in Education to Support All Students: Health, Special Education, and Career Readiness
This panel will examine how schools can use integrated strategies to support student health, special education needs, and career readiness. Experts from education, mental health, and workforce development will share approaches to promoting mental well-being, resilience, and career success for students with disabilities. The discussion will highlight innovative programs, partnerships, and policies that create a holistic, inclusive model for student development.
This panel will examine how schools can use integrated strategies to support student health, special education needs, and career readiness. Experts from education, mental health, and workforce development will share approaches to promoting mental well-being, resilience, and career success for students with disabilities. The discussion will highlight innovative programs, partnerships, and policies that create a holistic, inclusive model for student development.

Willow Baer
Acting CommissionerOffice for People with Developmental Disabilities

Christina Foti
Chief of Special EducationNYC Public Schools

Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden
CommissionerNew York State Office of Children and Family Services
New York’s Digital Education Landscape
New York is transforming education for the digital age by equipping schools with modern tools that enhance the classroom experience. With interactive resources, new technologies, and improved connectivity, our schools are creating dynamic learning environments. This session will explore the latest innovations in technology and STEM education, addressing challenges such as privacy, safety, equity, and supporting both in-person and digital learning.
New York is transforming education for the digital age by equipping schools with modern tools that enhance the classroom experience. With interactive resources, new technologies, and improved connectivity, our schools are creating dynamic learning environments. This session will explore the latest innovations in technology and STEM education, addressing challenges such as privacy, safety, equity, and supporting both in-person and digital learning.

Stephen Cockrell
Chief Executive OfficerFund for New York City Public Schools

Lara Lai
Senior Policy Analyst and Strategic Organizer for EducationOffice of NYC Comptroller

Sideya Sherman
Chief Equity Officer & CommissionerNYC Mayor’s Office of Equity & Racial Justice