NEW YORK, N.Y. (May 6, 2024) — Public education advocacy organization the Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement on the protests happening at college campuses across the country in response to the genocide in Gaza: “We at AQE believe in, and exercise, our right to protest, and believe that students have this right. … Continue reading AQE Responds to College Protests on Genocide in Gaza
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.
What’s in the $237B NY budget (so far)
The fate of mayoral control over NYC schools remains undecided, with Governor Hochul pushing for an extension amid negotiations, though no final agreement has yet been reached. Lawmakers are seeking mechanisms to ensure compliance with class-size mandates Read the full article.
Progressive advocates call for higher taxes on high earners in New York
On Tax Day, advocates in New York State, including Michael Kink, executive director of Strong Economy for All, member of the Invest in Our New York coalition, called for higher taxes on the highest earners to address tax revenue and spending priorities. Listen to the full video clip.
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”