PRESS STATEMENT: Rockefeller Institute Report on Foundation Aid Offers Thoughtful Options – But the State Must Still Fully Fund Public Schools

NEW YORK, N.Y. (December 3, 2024) – In response to the Rockefeller Institute of Government’s release of a report including recommendations for updating New York’s Foundation Aid formula, public education advocacy organization the Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement: “Equity and justice are central to our community’s vision, and so we appreciate the Rockefeller … Continue reading PRESS STATEMENT: Rockefeller Institute Report on Foundation Aid Offers Thoughtful Options – But the State Must Still Fully Fund Public Schools

Step Up for Our Schools as Pandemic Relief Ends

It’s time to step up, as federal COVID-19 relief funding for our public schools comes to an end. The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds have been a game changer, providing crucial support for one-on-one tutoring, after-school programs, and assistance for students with disabilities. In the wake of the pandemic, our schools have … Continue reading Step Up for Our Schools as Pandemic Relief Ends

Our Schools Deserve Better: It’s Time for Mayor Adams to Resign!

In light of tonight’s announcement of Mayor Eric Adams’ federal indictment, Co-Executive Directors Marina Marcou-O’Malley and Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari of the public education advocacy organization the Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement: “Tonight’s federal indictment of Mayor Eric Adams highlights the crisis he has created, directly affecting New York City’s public schools and the … Continue reading Our Schools Deserve Better: It’s Time for Mayor Adams to Resign!

What’s Next for Our Students and Public Schools?

In response to the resignation of the New York City Schools Chancellor and the appointment of a successor, public education advocacy organization the Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement: “The mid-year resignation of Chancellor David Banks underscores the broader challenges within Mayor Eric Adams’ administration and raises important concerns about what’s next for … Continue reading What’s Next for Our Students and Public Schools?

NY school funding formula needs an overhaul, more than 100 organizations urge

A coalition of over 100 New York organizations is pushing for a comprehensive overhaul of the state’s outdated school funding formula, known as Foundation Aid, which has not kept pace with current student needs. AQE’s Co-Executive Director, Marina Marcou-O’Malley, highlighted that similar concerns are echoed across all districts and criticized the governor’s past discussions about … Continue reading NY school funding formula needs an overhaul, more than 100 organizations urge

As New York Board of Regents meets, Foundation Aid study looms over state funding discussions

The Foundation Aid update is currently under review by the Rockefeller Institute, with a report expected on December 1. This update will influence next year’s budget, but the timeline for integrating recommendations into proposals from both the Board of Regents (December 9) and the governor is tight (January 2025). Key priorities for the updated formula … Continue reading As New York Board of Regents meets, Foundation Aid study looms over state funding discussions

Budget Stabilization For Child Care Has Expired And That Should Distress Us All

In highlighting the critical role of child care as essential infrastructure and underscoring the need for adequate funding to support child care providers and educators, Shaakir-Ansari argues that the expiration of the American Rescue Plan’s funding has led to a significant crisis, stressing the urgent need for federal action to stabilize and sustain child care … Continue reading Budget Stabilization For Child Care Has Expired And That Should Distress Us All

30 years ago, he led a landmark case on NY’s school funding formula. Now he wants it overhauled.

Michael Rebell, the lawyer who led the Campaign for Fiscal Equity’s landmark case, argues that New York’s proposed updates to the Foundation Aid formula are unconstitutional. He believes a full overhaul is necessary to address current educational needs and ensure the state meets its constitutional obligations for equitable funding. Read the full article.

Foundation Aid Hearing Resources

The Rockefeller Institute is currently gathering feedback in order to make nonbinding recommendations on potential revisions to the Foundation Aid formula. Your input through this process will inform their final report, which will make recommendations to the State on modifying the current formula. It’s likely that these recommendations will factor into the Governor’s education budget … Continue reading Foundation Aid Hearing Resources

Advocates Call Out Chancellor Banks’ Dismissal of Class Size Benefits

New York City, N.Y. (July 18, 2024) — In response to Chancellor David Banks’ remarks this past week on Class Size Law and Foundation Aid, education justice organizations, Alliance for Quality Education and the Education Law Center, released the following statement in response: “As reported by the New York Post, on the same day Chancellor … Continue reading Advocates Call Out Chancellor Banks’ Dismissal of Class Size Benefits