Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I,-Black River) says he is “disappointed” by state Education Commissioner John King’s decision to cancel public hearings on Common Core Standards.

“If everyone ran away from heat and tough criticism, nothing would get done. I am disappointed in state Education Commissioner John King’s decision to cancel the few hearings he had scheduled to allow parents and teachers to voice their concerns about the implementation of Common Core Standards.”

Assemblyman Marc Butler (R,C,I-Newport) echoed the sentiment:

"Stakeholders, like parents, guardians and educators, should have the right to air their concerns with education leaders like King. Our citizens have the right to be heard by their government. I urge Mr. King to reconsider his move and reinstate these hearings so that all concerned parties have the opportunity to be heard.”

 It has been widely reported that King canceled the balance of a series of “town halls” where he was to publicly discuss the “Common Core” education standards after he ran into criticism and tough questions at one of those events in Poughkeepsie. He said he believed the response from people in the audience was planned.

None of the other town halls was scheduled for the North Country.

Blankenbush’s 11th Assembly District includes townships in southwestern St. Lawrence County, plus Lewis County, southeast Jefferson County, and part pf Oneida County.

Butler, who sits for the 118th District, represents Madrid, Norfolk, Stockholm, Parishville, Pierrepont, Clare, Colton, Clifton and Fine in St. Lawrence County, plus Herkimer, Hamilton and Fulton counties and poart of Oneida county.

“While Common Core Standards are national-level standards, New York has control over how it implements these standards and should take a measured and cautious approach when making these changes to our educational system,” Blankenbush said.

“Parents, teachers and students are truly concerned and they have a right to be heard by their government. I am a grandfather of school-aged children and I am concerned as well,” Blankenbush said.

“Respectful public discourse is tremendously important in our society. In fact, I am looking for my constituents’ input on this important matter,” the assemblyman said.

He urged parents and educators to take survey on public education at tinyurl.com/BlankenbushEducation.