Zohran Mamdani is calling for a new approach to how New York City’s public schools are governed, challenging the decades-old system of mayoral control that concentrates power in City Hall. Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari, co-executive director of AQE, said the current structure was built to consolidate authority and that now is the moment to build something more … Continue reading Breaking the mayor’s monopoly: Can Zohran Mamdani make co-governance work for New York’s schools?
‘Confusion and chaos’: Mamdani pushes for less power over NYC schools
Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani is proposing to reduce the mayor’s control over New York City’s schools and instead create a co-governance model that shares authority with parents, educators, and local councils. Supporters see this as a step toward greater accountability and inclusion, while critics warn it could lead to “confusion and chaos.” Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari, … Continue reading ‘Confusion and chaos’: Mamdani pushes for less power over NYC schools
Mamdani campaign quietly convenes education advocates to shape schools agenda
Zohran Mamdani’s campaign for mayor of New York City recently convened education advocates, parents, and education policy experts to gather input on policies that could better serve New York City’s diverse communities, particularly focusing on equity, affordability, and the needs of vulnerable students. AQE participated, highlighting issues of funding and access, while parents voiced priorities … Continue reading Mamdani campaign quietly convenes education advocates to shape schools agenda
The Charter School Pressuring Teachers to Get Involved In Politics
Success Academy and other charter networks pressured teachers, parents, and students to attend a pro-charter rally in New York City, even requiring staff to prove they had lobbied elected officials. Educators described an atmosphere of coercion and intimidation, where opting out could jeopardize their jobs. AQE’s Co-Executive Director Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari underscored that forcing families into … Continue reading The Charter School Pressuring Teachers to Get Involved In Politics
What Is Mamdani’s Vision for New York City’s $40 Billion School System?
In a recent New York Times article, Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari, AQE’s Co-Executive Director, expressed support for rising calls to make New York’s public school system more democratic, even if the path forward remains unclear. She pointed to the ongoing transition to a fully elected school board in Chicago as a hopeful model, saying, “We all know … Continue reading What Is Mamdani’s Vision for New York City’s $40 Billion School System?
Marina Marcou-O’Malley wins City & State 2025 budget poll
AQE’s Co-Executive Director, Marina Marcou-O’Malley, correctly predicted the budget would be finished on the night of May 8, winning City & State’s 2025 budget poll. This was both a reflection of her years of experience in the field and the fact that the governor kept introducing new things as part of the negotiations. She praised … Continue reading Marina Marcou-O’Malley wins City & State 2025 budget poll
Adams to add funding for special education pre-K and expanded 3-K seats to budget plan
Mayor Eric Adams announced plans to include $167 million in his executive budget to restore and baseline funding for special education pre-K and expanded 3-K seats, while also pledging to maintain Head Start programs regardless of potential federal cuts. Advocates say the move is a step forward but stress that more funding is needed, as … Continue reading Adams to add funding for special education pre-K and expanded 3-K seats to budget plan
Governor Hochul must do right by working families and invest in child care now
Advocates are calling on New York lawmakers to invest no less than $500 million in the Child Care Assistance Program and at least another $500 million to create a permanent fund for early childhood educator pay. Without urgent action, thousands of families could lose access to child care within weeks, and the ongoing staffing crisis … Continue reading Governor Hochul must do right by working families and invest in child care now
Teachers Unions, State Officials Urging Families To Fight Back Against Federal Education Cuts
At a recent rally, we raised our voices in coalition against proposed federal cuts to vital programs like Title 1 and IDEA. These cuts, which threaten to underfund critical resources for lower-income students and those with disabilities, would have devastating effects on communities across the country. Such cuts would leave schools scrambling, stretching educators thin … Continue reading Teachers Unions, State Officials Urging Families To Fight Back Against Federal Education Cuts
NYC school funding fight: Hochul’s budget plan faces pushback over $350 million shortfall
New York state lawmakers are pushing back against Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposal to reduce funding for New York City schools by $350 million, which stems from a change to the state’s Foundation Aid formula. Referencing AQE’s latest report, “Getting the Foundation Aid Formula Right,” this article presents our argument that the Governor’s proposal doesn’t go … Continue reading NYC school funding fight: Hochul’s budget plan faces pushback over $350 million shortfall