NEW YORK, N.Y. (December 9, 2024) – In response to the New York State Board of Regents’ recommendation to increase Foundation Aid funding by $1.6 billion for the upcoming school year, public education advocacy organization the Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement:
“We commend the New York State Board of Regents under the leadership of Chancellor Young, and the Department of Education under the leadership of Commissioner Rosa, for their recommendation to increase Foundation Aid funding by $1.6 billion, a crucial step toward addressing the pressing needs of our public schools. This proposal recognizes the continued challenges facing our education system, particularly in the face of shifting federal priorities that threaten to undermine the stability and success of our public schools.
“The full funding of Foundation Aid in the past school year was a historic and important milestone toward ensuring that all students have access to the high-quality education they deserve. However, this proposal underscores the reality that more must be done to fully close the gap and ensure that every child—regardless of their background or zip code—receives the education they are constitutionally entitled to.
“By prioritizing an increase in Foundation Aid, we are reaffirming the commitment to equity within New York’s public schools. In a national climate where public education funding is under significant threat, this $1.6 billion investment will position New York as a leader in advancing educational equity and opportunity for all students.
“The proposal also includes making changes within the formula that would allow for use of more representative data, capturing more of the needs of students in different school districts. In addition, the proposal includes a grant to allow all school districts to access at least $10,000 per child for universal prekindergarten, a move that will greatly benefit school districts that are early adopters of the program and haven’t have an increase for years.
“We urge our state legislators to rise to the occasion, recognizing that this investment is not only about education but also about securing a more equitable, prosperous future for all New Yorkers. Let us stand together in support of our students, educators, and communities, ensuring that the foundation of New York’s public schools remains strong and sustainable for generations to come,” said Marina Marcou-O’Malley and Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari, Co-Executive Directors, Alliance for Quality Education.