The NY State Education Department oversees family engagement efforts that support student success across multiple departments. Each department uses different language and expectations for family and community engagement according to state or federal funding requirements. Growing parent frustration with multiple and confusing changes in New York schools requires attention to clear two-way communication to assure sustained focus on improving student outcomes. There is presently no dedicated statewide office responsible for coordinating collaboration on such efforts. Given the policy and program diversity that family and community engagement activities touch, support for a statewide office of family and community engagement and resources dedicated to engaging families as partners is needed. We ask you to send a message of support to the Governor and legislators for the Regents proposal that would devote budget dollars to engage families and communities in productive partnerships dedicated to educating our children. This will help parents across our state have a voice before policies and changes are considered.