As the state’s Education Department studies the 20-year-old system of mayoral control, public hearings have shown widespread dissatisfaction, with calls for revisions or overturning. Critics, as ourselves, argue that the system concentrates too much power in the mayor’s hands, diminishing local community voices, while defenders emphasize centralized decision-making for efficiency. Mayoral control is set to … Continue reading Educators railed against mayoral control at hearings. What comes next?
Across the political spectrum, lawmakers are peeved about Hochul’s plan for education funding
Lawmakers from both Democratic and Republican parties are expressing discontent with Governor Hochul’s proposed changes to school aid. Critics argue that the Governor’s adjustments to the Foundation Aid formula hide cuts on account of changes to the consideration of the consumer price index in its calculations and the removal of a stipulation, called save or … Continue reading Across the political spectrum, lawmakers are peeved about Hochul’s plan for education funding
Gov. Hochul’s proposed Foundation Aid budget cuts and the impact on New York State schools
Governor Hochul’s executive budget proposal slashes promised Foundation Aid, jeopardizing our students’ futures. Around 44% of NY schools face cuts. Learn more by listening as our Interim Co-Executive Director Marina Marcou-O’Malley discusses these changes on the Talk Out of School podcast. Listen to the podcast.
‘Profoundly disappointed’: Hundreds of NY schools could get less state money in new budget
Governor Hochul’s executive budget proposal features significant changes to the school funding formula. She proposes changes to the Foundation Aid formula, which would result in funding cuts for 44% of the state’s school districts. Notably, the elimination of the “hold harmless” policy and a shift in the way it takes inflation into account are included … Continue reading ‘Profoundly disappointed’: Hundreds of NY schools could get less state money in new budget
5 takeaways from Eric Adams’ State of the City
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
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
Despite Hochul’s Claims Otherwise, Some School Districts Will Likely Get Less State Aid Under Her Budget Proposal
ALBANY, N.Y. (January 16, 2024) — In response to Governor Hochul’s executive budget address, the public education advocacy organization Alliance for Quality Education released the following response: “Despite the Governor’s insistence that her executive proposal today is not a cut, it will likely mean less funding for some schools — not because it doesn’t keep … Continue reading Despite Hochul’s Claims Otherwise, Some School Districts Will Likely Get Less State Aid Under Her Budget Proposal
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