In his State of the City address, Mayor Eric Adams boasted about economic recovery and decreased crime rates, framing his administration as successful. However, amidst low approval ratings, a federal investigation, and contentious issues like managing asylum-seekers, Adams faced criticism. Governor Kathy Hochul proposed a four-year extension of mayoral control in her State of the … Continue reading 5 takeaways from Eric Adams’ State of the City
NYSUT and partners launch One-in-Five campaign to combat cycle of childhood poverty
The One-in-Five coalition, consisting of NYSUT and a coalition of stakeholders, is advocating for legislative measures to address childhood poverty in the state, including the Working Families Tax Credit, Mothers and Lasting Change, support for Medicaid services in schools, affordable housing, universal school meals, and $100 million in categorical funding for community schools. AQE’s Marina … Continue reading NYSUT and partners launch One-in-Five campaign to combat cycle of childhood poverty
Stop Governor Hochul’s Cuts to Public Education Now
Last week, Governor Hochul dealt a severe blow to our students and communities by proposing a budget that blatantly prioritizes the ultra-wealthy over the urgent needs of our schools. Here’s what you need to know before you take action! What’s Happening Governor Hochul’s budget not only slashes promised Foundation Aid increases but also neglects child … Continue reading Stop Governor Hochul’s Cuts to Public Education Now
Mayor Adams, Chancellor Banks to create federally funded magnet high schools
Mayor Eric Adams announced that the NYC education department will allocate nearly $30 million in federal grants to fund six magnet high schools in the Bronx and Manhattan over the next five years. AQE’s Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari expressed skepticism about the long-term impact of the funding, raising concerns about the mayor’s previous budget cuts to education … Continue reading Mayor Adams, Chancellor Banks to create federally funded magnet high schools
NYC charter schools outperform district counterparts in states tests, study shows
The nonprofit NYC Charter School Center’s analysis of English and math test scores in New York City reveals that charter schools, such as Success Academy, outperformed their district counterparts, ranking first in math and third in English statewide. While Eva Moskowitz, the founder and CEO of Success Academy, attributes the success to less bureaucratic red … Continue reading NYC charter schools outperform district counterparts in states tests, study shows
New York school leaders question Foundation Aid proposal that would alter ‘Save Harmless’ provision
Governor Kathy Hochul is proposing a $35.3 billion school aid package, representing a 2.4% increase over the previous year. A significant point of contention is the “Save Harmless” provision, which aims to prevent districts from experiencing a decrease in Foundation Aid funding. Critics argue that changes to this provision would impact districts with declining enrollment, … Continue reading New York school leaders question Foundation Aid proposal that would alter ‘Save Harmless’ provision
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