New York State United Teachers has released a new film focused on childhood poverty across the state.
The film, titled “1 in 5,” is part of a statewide campaign promoting community schools as a response to poverty.
Union officials said nearly one in five children in New York lives in poverty, exceeding the national average.
The film features educators from rural, suburban and urban districts and highlights how poverty affects students’ access to basic needs such as housing, clothing and healthcare.
“‘1 in 5’ is a call to action,” said NYSUT President Melinda Person. “New York is one of the wealthiest places in the world, yet too many students are held back by poverty. That is unacceptable. Childhood poverty is not inevitable; it is the result of policy choices, and community schools are a proven, effective solution.”
NYSUT said community schools provide services including healthcare, mental health support, food access and transportation.
Officials pointed to examples including a Bronx middle school that saw improved attendance after adopting the model, as well as similar results reported in California.
Lawmakers in both the state Senate and Assembly have proposed funding for community schools in their budget plans, with $105 million and $100 million included respectively.
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