By Katelyn Cordero in Politico, 1 January 2024. Education advocates in New York seek crucial changes in 2024, focusing on revisions to the foundation aid formula, flexibility in zero-emission school bus mandates, and a fully funded universal school meals program. AQE’s interim Co-Executive Director, Marina Marcou-O’Malley, emphasized the importance of fully funding foundation aid and … Continue reading What New York educators want in 2024
School funding, mayoral control, class sizes: Education issues to watch in Albany’s new session
By Julian Shen-Berro in Chalkbeat New York, 22 December 2023. Highlighting the imminent education-related legislative agenda in New York State, this article emphasizes key issues, potential policy changes, and ongoing debates that will significantly impact New York City’s educational landscape. Read the full article.
Teachers’ union sues Mayor Eric Adams over budget cuts
The United Federation of Teachers (UFT) and District Council 37 (DC 37) have separately filed lawsuits against New York City Mayor Eric Adams over budget cuts, challenging the claimed cost projections for asylum seeker services. The UFT alleges that the city illegally reduced its education funding contribution, citing the city’s increased revenue and high reserves, … Continue reading Teachers’ union sues Mayor Eric Adams over budget cuts
NY had biggest public school enrollment drop in U.S. during pandemic
By Emilie Munson in the Times Union, 20 December 2023. This article reports on significant declines in New York’s public school enrollment due to varying reasons as declining birth rates, migration, and changes during the pandemic. It discusses issues like class size laws, funding, and mayoral control, reflecting concerns about reduced funding and challenges in … Continue reading NY had biggest public school enrollment drop in U.S. during pandemic
New York Board of Regents wants money to study Foundation Aid formula in state aid request
The New York State Board of Regents is seeking a $1.35 billion budget increase, with plans to address the outdated Foundation Aid formula. This proposal includes a short-term request for a $253.4 million increase in Foundation Aid funding for schools next year and a long-term plan, which involves a $1 million study to replace the … Continue reading New York Board of Regents wants money to study Foundation Aid formula in state aid request
Opinion: Screened Admissions Policies Only Worsen Segregation in NYC Schools
By Gavin Healy in City Limits, 3 November 2023. In New York City’s District 2, Gavin Healy, a member of the District’s Community Education Council, raised concerns about highly-ranked public elementary school Lower Lab’s lack of Black student enrollment for several recent school years. In 2020, Lower Lab and other screened elementary schools transitioned from … Continue reading Opinion: Screened Admissions Policies Only Worsen Segregation in NYC Schools
A Record 119,320 New York City Students Were Homeless Last Year
By Troy Closson in the New York Times, 1 November 2023. The rising number of homeless students in New York City, hit a record high of 119,320, presenting challenges for the Mayor Eric Adams’ administration and education system. As the city’s unhoused student population grows, it faces increased strains on resources, and heightened concerns for … Continue reading A Record 119,320 New York City Students Were Homeless Last Year
City Hall imposes budget cuts for NYC schools with declining student enrollment
By Carl Capanile in the New York Post, 25 October 2023. Mayor Eric Adams’ administration is initiating mid-year budget cuts to public schools due to declining student enrollment, citing the return to a pre-COVID-19 fiscal policy. The move by the NYC Department of Education uses previous mid-year adjustment practices to align school funding with student … Continue reading City Hall imposes budget cuts for NYC schools with declining student enrollment
NYC schools with enrollment shortfalls face cuts; more budget losses loom
By Alex Zimmerman in Chalkbeat, 25 October 2023. New York City schools with lower-than-projected enrollments face budget reductions midyear, signaling a shift from using federal funds to cushion losses. This decision comes amid a challenging fiscal situation and uncertainties regarding federal COVID-19 relief funds, affecting schools’ finances and services. This return to midyear cuts could … Continue reading NYC schools with enrollment shortfalls face cuts; more budget losses loom
Schools with lower enrollment than projected will have to return budget money
By Jillian Jorgensen in Spectrum News NY1, 25 October 2023. Amidst diminishing federal relief funds, NYC schools are experiencing midyear budget adjustments, impacting funding due to lower-than-projected enrollments. This reversion to pre-COVID budgeting methods signifies a shift in policy, where budget adjustments are prompted according to current student enrollment figures. The return to this process, … Continue reading Schools with lower enrollment than projected will have to return budget money