How New York’s mayoral control deal got done

Mayor Eric Adams faced potential loss of control over NYC schools, but a last-minute deal extended mayoral control for two more years, shorter than desired. Concessions were made, diminishing Adams’ power over a panel and requiring more compliance with class-size laws. Despite setbacks, the deal averted worse outcomes and allowed Adams to focus on other … Continue reading How New York’s mayoral control deal got done

School and Foundation Aid safe for this year, but Gov. Hochul Put Child Care on the Chopping Block 

ALBANY, N.Y. (April 20, 2024) — In response to the finalization of the New York State budget, public education advocacy organization the Alliance for Quality Education released the following response:  “This should have been a year New York could have done great things, get kids to their maximum potential, and to build a continuous and … Continue reading School and Foundation Aid safe for this year, but Gov. Hochul Put Child Care on the Chopping Block 

A mayoral control renewal is looming

Negotiations over the extension of mayoral control over NYC public schools intensify as Governor Hochul advocates for its continuation; meanwhile, the SED’s report adds complexity to the debate with calls for reforms. Lawmakers and educators face questions regarding accountability and effectiveness as the June expiration deadline approaches. Read the full article.

AQE Responds to Gov. Hochul’s Budget Announcement

​ALBANY, N.Y. (April 15, 2024) — In response to Governor Hochul’s budget announcement, public education advocacy organization the Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement: “We are deeply concerned about all the time wasted in pushing back on cuts instead of charting a path forward toward dismantling educational racism,” said Marina Marcou-O’Malley, Co-Executive Director, … Continue reading AQE Responds to Gov. Hochul’s Budget Announcement

The Problem With ‘Affordable’ Child Care

The author makes the argument that the issue with “affordable” child care is that it should actually be free, considering its essential role in supporting families and communities. Unlike public schools or libraries, which are for the most part universally accepted as essential and funded by taxes, child care is often viewed as a private … Continue reading The Problem With ‘Affordable’ Child Care

Hochul Wants Credit for School Funding Victory While Trying to Undermine It

Gov. Overlooks Decades of Advocacy of Black & Brown Parents ALBANY, N.Y. (March 20, 2024) — Following comments made by Gov Hochul regarding the Foundation Aid formula as reported by Politico on Tuesday, the public education advocacy organization Alliance for Quality Education released this response: “It is disappointing, and, were it not so serious, even … Continue reading Hochul Wants Credit for School Funding Victory While Trying to Undermine It

David Banks on pre-K, 3-K budget restoration: “I have great confidence”

New York City’s schools chancellor addressed City Council concerns over budget cuts, hinting at potential reversals in reductions to early childhood education funding amidst better-than-expected tax revenue projections. He emphasized challenges ahead, including the need to address class size mandates and the looming expiration of federal stimulus funds, warning of inevitable “trade-offs” without additional funding … Continue reading David Banks on pre-K, 3-K budget restoration: “I have great confidence”

How Hochul’s education budget proposal created chaos in one Long Island school district

The Long Beach School District is grappling with potential funding cuts as Governor Hochul’s proposed budget threatens a significant reduction in state aid, leading to fears of school closures and program cuts. Parents, administrators, and lawmakers are mobilizing to address the situation, with efforts to fight the cuts both locally and in Albany. The specific … Continue reading How Hochul’s education budget proposal created chaos in one Long Island school district