Hochul wanted to cut school aid in her budget. NY lawmakers are pushing to restore it.

A summary of one house proposals this week, where state lawmakers proposed to fully restore funding and provide 3% increases for New York school districts facing cuts under Governor Hochul’s budget. AQE applauds this move, as it prioritizes student support as they continue bouncing back from the global pandemic. Read the full article.

Eric Adams cancels new round of budget cuts, but fiscal cliff for NYC schools looms

New York City’s Education Department avoids additional spring budget cuts, but the school system faces the potential loss of hundreds of millions in expiring federal aid by summer unless swift action is taken by city and state officials. Advocates warn of proposed cuts, including social workers, school budgets, and an expanded preschool program, jeopardizing support … Continue reading Eric Adams cancels new round of budget cuts, but fiscal cliff for NYC schools looms

AQE Announced Executive Directors

The Alliance for Quality Education announced that Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari and Marina Marcou-O’Malley will officially take over as executive directors. The duo served in their positions on an interim basis since November, when former executive director Jasmine Gripper moved to head the Working Families Party. The two have been in Albany this session advocating for a … Continue reading AQE Announced Executive Directors

Gov. Hochul’s proposed Foundation Aid budget cuts and the impact on New York State schools

Governor Hochul’s executive budget proposal slashes promised Foundation Aid, jeopardizing our students’ futures. Around 44% of NY schools face cuts. Learn more by listening as our Interim Co-Executive Director Marina Marcou-O’Malley discusses these changes on the Talk Out of School podcast. Listen to the podcast.

NYSUT and partners launch One-in-Five campaign to combat cycle of childhood poverty

The One-in-Five coalition, consisting of NYSUT and a coalition of stakeholders, is advocating for legislative measures to address childhood poverty in the state, including the Working Families Tax Credit, Mothers and Lasting Change, support for Medicaid services in schools, affordable housing, universal school meals, and $100 million in categorical funding for community schools. AQE’s Marina … Continue reading NYSUT and partners launch One-in-Five campaign to combat cycle of childhood poverty

Mayor Adams, Chancellor Banks to create federally funded magnet high schools

Mayor Eric Adams announced that the NYC education department will allocate nearly $30 million in federal grants to fund six magnet high schools in the Bronx and Manhattan over the next five years. AQE’s Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari expressed skepticism about the long-term impact of the funding, raising concerns about the mayor’s previous budget cuts to education … Continue reading Mayor Adams, Chancellor Banks to create federally funded magnet high schools

NYC charter schools outperform district counterparts in states tests, study shows

The nonprofit NYC Charter School Center’s analysis of English and math test scores in New York City reveals that charter schools, such as Success Academy, outperformed their district counterparts, ranking first in math and third in English statewide. While Eva Moskowitz, the founder and CEO of Success Academy, attributes the success to less bureaucratic red … Continue reading NYC charter schools outperform district counterparts in states tests, study shows

What New York educators want in 2024

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