ALBANY, 8/5/08 -- Penney Gentile of Nelson Avenue, Cooperstown has been named to the state’s new temporary special advisory panel on driver education, Senator James L. Seward (R-I-C/Oneonta) said today. The panel was created by the legislature in a law sponsored by Seward (S.6985), and inspired by the Gentiles, to improve the quality and availability of driver education in New York State.
"Driver education is currently not available to many teens in a school setting in New York State, and that's the most convenient and likely place for teens to get driver education. The legislation passed by the senate would offer a look at how we can improve driver education and make it more available in schools without burdening property taxpayers," Seward said. "I am glad that Penney has agreed to serve on the panel -- she will make a terrific contribution."
"I am honored and excited to be selected to the advisory panel," said Gentile. "I look forward to working with the other panel members in trying to advance the drivers’ training initiative started by Senator Seward."
The "special temporary advisory panel on driver education availability and curriculum enhancement" is charged with examining, assessing and making recommendations regarding ways to improve driver education instruction and make instruction more available. Specifically, the panel will review the driver education curriculum currently utilized in schools and identify areas for potential improvement. It will also consider whether the application of modern equipment such as driving simulators and interactive computer programs would enhance drivers’ education.
The panel will consist of 13 members and will be co-chaired by the commissioner of education and the commissioner of motor vehicles. The governor, the temporary president of the senate and the speaker of the assembly are each authorized to make three appointments to the panel and the minority leaders of the senate and the assembly shall each be authorized to make one appointment to the panel. The panel shall make a report to the governor and the legislature of its findings, conclusions and recommendations on or before December 31, 2008.
Gentile is a senate appointment. She was appointed on August 1.
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