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Overcrowding in East Side public schools threatens to deny a generation of children their constitutional right to a "sound basic education." We must make more school seats available now, build more schools to keep up with current development, and investigate new solutions for building educational infrastructure.

I have a strong commitment to public education that stems from being a graduate of the Bronx High School of Science, State University of New York's University at Albany and University at Buffalo Law School. I helped create Community Board 8’s Youth and Education Committee, identified a Free Yellow Bus Program for local youth service providers, and created an internship program to better serve the youth and education needs of our community. As your Council member I will continue to fight for increased funding for youth services and education.

Mock Elections at Public Schools Pilot Launched

New York, NY– Today, Fifth Grade Students from PS290, in partnership with the office of City Council Member Ben Kallos, took part in a mock election in advance of tomorrow’s election. New York City has one of the lowest turn-out rates in the nation. In the 2013 general election, a mere 24 percent of registered New York City voters cast a ballot. There are 1.1 million public school children in New York City and 4.3 million registered New York City voters. Studies show that increased civic participation through activities like mock voting increase engagement and participation later in life.

The students received a lesson on civics, voting and the candidates and offices. Then, they filled out their own printed ballots in order to absorb the value of voting and to practice. The students used their arithmetic skills to tally the votes and then discussed the results as a class.

Council Member Kallos plans to expand mock voting to schools district-wide next year. He has also championed a “Vote with Kids” initiative, encouraging parents to bring their children with them to vote.