AQE Responds to Governor Hochul’s State of the State Address

ALBANY, N.Y. (January 9, 2024) — In response to Governor Kathy Hochul’s State of the State address, the public education advocacy organization Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement: “The priorities that Governor Hochul outlined for education and child care today do not go far enough to address our childrens’ most pressing needs, from … Continue reading AQE Responds to Governor Hochul’s State of the State Address

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

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

With Relentless Cuts To Schools & Essential Services, Adams Shows He Lacks the Leadership to Run NYC

NEW YORK, N.Y. (November 16, 2023) — In response to Mayor Eric Adams’ budget announcement Thursday, public education advocacy organization the Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement: “The latest announcement of budget cuts reads like a masterclass in gaslighting, as Mayor Adams opens by claiming that his administration has ‘delivered’ for New Yorkers, … Continue reading With Relentless Cuts To Schools & Essential Services, Adams Shows He Lacks the Leadership to Run NYC

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

With Yet Another Round of School Cuts, Mayor Adams Deepens Harm to NYC Students

NEW YORK, N.Y. (October 26, 2023) — In response to Mayor Eric Adams moving forward with mid-year cuts to public schools, public education advocacy organization the Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement:  “Principals across New York City are being abruptly notified that Mayor Adams is cutting funding from their schools, just weeks after … Continue reading With Yet Another Round of School Cuts, Mayor Adams Deepens Harm to NYC Students