In his speech, the governor focused on specific improvements to education, and as YNN's Ryan Whalen reports, it could have a big impact on Buffalo Public Schools.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — When Governor Andrew Cuomo said more, he meant it literally. In his State of the State, he said he'd give school districts the option of having longer school days, longer school years, or a combination of both.

"It's up to them but if they do it the state would pay 100 percent of the additional costs to give them and incentive to do it," said Governor Andrew Cuomo.

At a Wednesday night meeting, Buffalo School Board members were already discussing the opportunity.

"Maybe for once we could be the first ones to apply," said Buffalo Schools Board Member Florence Johnson.

But the president of the teachers' union says it might not be the best use of resources.

"I'd rather see them put the money into having smaller class sizes, more programs for the kids during the day and also during the school year rather than an extra hour or an extra week onto the school year," said Buffalo Teachers Federation President Phil Rumore.

The governor focused on teachers when talking about how to make education better.

"If you want teachers to do better, pay teachers and incentivize teachers to do better. Not every teacher gets paid the same no matter what," said Cuomo.

He says there will be a program where teachers get paid more to mentor other teachers.
But he also discussed creating a test similar to the bar exam teachers would need to pass.

"I am not a strong believer that standardized tests test anything, especially when it comes to teaching. You can know your material really well and not be a good teacher," said Rumore.

Rumore says ultimately, the devil will be in the details.