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Presumptive Eligibility Bill Waits on Governor Hochul


There is another critical piece of legislation that would help break down barriers to child care assistance for families, currently awaiting Governor Hochul’s signature. The presumptive eligibility bill will allow families to access child care assistance while they await processing of their applications. For many families, this would help prevent parents from missing out on job … Continue reading Presumptive Eligibility Bill Waits on Governor Hochul

Formula driving $25 billion in state aid to NY schools finally faces retooling


The Rockefeller Institute’s review of the Foundation Aid formula begins seeking public input starting on July 16, so community is encouraged to provide written or in-person testimony at the upcoming hearings across the state. Advocates and critics alike have long emphasized the need to update metrics to reflect 21st-century educational costs that ensure equity across … Continue reading Formula driving $25 billion in state aid to NY schools finally faces retooling

N.Y. School Boards executive director: Rockefeller Institute has been ‘transparent’ on Foundation Aid formula update


The Rockefeller Institute is preparing to update the Foundation Aid formula, which hasn’t been fully updated since 2007. While Governor Hochul aimed to end the “Save Harmless” provision and introduced a lower inflationary factor in funding, some lawmakers have persisting concerns about costs. The update could significantly impact racial and economic justice issues in education, … Continue reading N.Y. School Boards executive director: Rockefeller Institute has been ‘transparent’ on Foundation Aid formula update

Lawmakers Pass Key Child Care Legislation in final push, but leave East Ramapo students high and dry


ALBANY, N.Y. (June 11, 2024) — Following the conclusion of the New York State legislative session, the public education advocacy organization Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement: “The three child care bills that the Senate and Assembly passed last week together will fundamentally change for the better the experience families have when they … Continue reading Lawmakers Pass Key Child Care Legislation in final push, but leave East Ramapo students high and dry

Rejecting the Mayor’s Militarization of Schools and Communities in NYC


New York City, N.Y. (June 5, 2024) — In response to Mayor Eric Adams’ recent decision to use $225 million of city resources on a new Public Safety Academy in Queens, the Alliance for Quality Education released the following response: “Imagine a world where our cities prioritize investments in books and classrooms over police academies … Continue reading Rejecting the Mayor’s Militarization of Schools and Communities in NYC

Memoranda of Opposition to S9833: Changes to East Ramapo school funding


The Alliance for Quality Education, Education Law Center and the Spring Valley Branch of the NAACP, alongside  New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU), released memoranda in strong opposition to Senate Bill 9833 (S9833). The Senate bill proposes slight changes to school funding in East Ramapo Central School District (ERCSD). While it acknowledges that the fiscal … Continue reading Memoranda of Opposition to S9833: Changes to East Ramapo school funding

East Ramapo: 2 state bills offer extra money, but take different approaches to oversight


Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski’s bill, A.10407, proposes placing the East Ramapo school district under a fiscal control board, while Senator Shelley Mayer’s bill, S.9833, introduces a community liaison and a $20 million state aid advance. Both bills would offer a $20 million advance on state aid for the district, but Mayer’s bill stipulates that if the … Continue reading East Ramapo: 2 state bills offer extra money, but take different approaches to oversight

School, library votes set for Tuesday in New York communities


New York voters are set to decide on school and library budgets, school board members, and various propositions. Budget proposals widely with numerous candidates emphasizing the need for increased resources to meet student needs. Voting hours vary by district, but polls are generally open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Read the full article.