Our Schools Deserve Better: It’s Time for Mayor Adams to Resign!

In light of tonight’s announcement of Mayor Eric Adams’ federal indictment, Co-Executive Directors Marina Marcou-O’Malley and Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari of the public education advocacy organization the Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement: “Tonight’s federal indictment of Mayor Eric Adams highlights the crisis he has created, directly affecting New York City’s public schools and the … Continue reading Our Schools Deserve Better: It’s Time for Mayor Adams to Resign!

What’s Next for Our Students and Public Schools?

In response to the resignation of the New York City Schools Chancellor and the appointment of a successor, public education advocacy organization the Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement: “The mid-year resignation of Chancellor David Banks underscores the broader challenges within Mayor Eric Adams’ administration and raises important concerns about what’s next for … Continue reading What’s Next for Our Students and Public Schools?

NY school funding formula needs an overhaul, more than 100 organizations urge

A coalition of over 100 New York organizations is pushing for a comprehensive overhaul of the state’s outdated school funding formula, known as Foundation Aid, which has not kept pace with current student needs. AQE’s Co-Executive Director, Marina Marcou-O’Malley, highlighted that similar concerns are echoed across all districts and criticized the governor’s past discussions about … Continue reading NY school funding formula needs an overhaul, more than 100 organizations urge

As New York Board of Regents meets, Foundation Aid study looms over state funding discussions

The Foundation Aid update is currently under review by the Rockefeller Institute, with a report expected on December 1. This update will influence next year’s budget, but the timeline for integrating recommendations into proposals from both the Board of Regents (December 9) and the governor is tight (January 2025). Key priorities for the updated formula … Continue reading As New York Board of Regents meets, Foundation Aid study looms over state funding discussions

Budget Stabilization For Child Care Has Expired And That Should Distress Us All

In highlighting the critical role of child care as essential infrastructure and underscoring the need for adequate funding to support child care providers and educators, Shaakir-Ansari argues that the expiration of the American Rescue Plan’s funding has led to a significant crisis, stressing the urgent need for federal action to stabilize and sustain child care … Continue reading Budget Stabilization For Child Care Has Expired And That Should Distress Us All

30 years ago, he led a landmark case on NY’s school funding formula. Now he wants it overhauled.

Michael Rebell, the lawyer who led the Campaign for Fiscal Equity’s landmark case, argues that New York’s proposed updates to the Foundation Aid formula are unconstitutional. He believes a full overhaul is necessary to address current educational needs and ensure the state meets its constitutional obligations for equitable funding. Read the full article.

Advocates Call Out Chancellor Banks’ Dismissal of Class Size Benefits

New York City, N.Y. (July 18, 2024) — In response to Chancellor David Banks’ remarks this past week on Class Size Law and Foundation Aid, education justice organizations, Alliance for Quality Education and the Education Law Center, released the following statement in response: “As reported by the New York Post, on the same day Chancellor … Continue reading Advocates Call Out Chancellor Banks’ Dismissal of Class Size Benefits

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

NYC’s Education Budget and Preparing for the Next Fight

We deeply appreciate the efforts of our city council, particularly the Progressive Caucus, Chair Joseph, and Speaker Adams. They consistently stood in solidarity with a People’s Budget, which aimed to secure essential services that keep New Yorkers safe, housed, and able to meet their basic needs. Last week’s city budget deal included $40 million in … Continue reading NYC’s Education Budget and Preparing for the Next Fight

Jamaal Bowman’s Fight for Justice: Our Struggle for Equity Continues

Today we express our deep appreciation for the campaign that Congressman Jamaal Bowman and his team ran, one centered in love, equity, and a vision for a better future for all of us. Jamaal and his team fought valiantly for the future of Black and brown communities, for all of us, and his dedication to … Continue reading Jamaal Bowman’s Fight for Justice: Our Struggle for Equity Continues