Key Takeaways:
– New York fully funded the Foundation Aid, allocating nearly $30 billion for education.
– The Rockefeller Institute conducted a comprehensive review of the Foundation Aid formula. Their recommendations might inspire changes in the upcoming budget negotiations.
– Mayoral control over New York City’s school system will continue for two more years, a signatory move initiated by Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
– In a surprising turn of events, David Banks, former New York City Schools chancellor, stepped down amidst an ongoing federal probe.
– President Donald Trump’s re-election may trigger changes in federal education funding, which could impact schools significantly.
New York Meets Full funding for Foundation Aid
From 2007, New York has used a complex formula known as Foundation Aid to allocate state funds for public schools. Over the years, financial crises like the Great Recession and Covid-19 resulted in budget cuts. This year, however, the state achieved full funding for Foundation Aid to the tune of nearly $30 billion. This move guarantees that no school district receives less funding than it did in the previous year. School finances are complex. Yet, it’s critical that schools across New York receive adequate funding to provide equal educational access to all students.
Foundation Aid Report by Rockefeller Institute
There’s general consensus that the Foundation Aid formula needs an overhaul. To address this, New York State allocated $2 million for the Rockefeller Institute to assess the current formula. The exhaustive 314-page report discusses each component of the formula and provides suggestions to improve it. While some advocate for developing a new formula altogether, any changes that Governor Kathy Hochul and the legislature decide to implement in the upcoming budget negotiations will be watched closely.
Extent of Mayoral Control on NYC Education
Since 2002, Mayors of New York City, starting with Michael Bloomberg, have maintained control over city’s school system. Lawmakers need to periodically decide the continuation of this unusual model of governance. This year, Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams both sought a four-year extension but were granted only two years. The effectiveness of this system continues to be a topic for debate.
Resignation of David Banks
In a shocker, David Banks, former chancellor of the New York City school system stepped down amidst an ongoing federal probe into Mayor Eric Adams and his administration. Banks’ abrupt resignation leaves Melissa Aviles-Ramos, his former Chief of Staff, in charge of the city’s largest school district, including its overhaul of the literacy program and capping class sizes.
President Trump’s Re-election and Schools
Donald Trump’s re-election as President could bring significant changes to the education sector. One of his campaign promises includes eliminating the Federal Department of Education to transition control back to states. Also touted are potential cuts to federal education funding. Although it’s unclear if Trump can fulfill these promises, they’re sure to stir up discussions on federal funding for schools.
Wrap Up
The New York education system has witnessed significant developments in the year 2025. We saw the comprehensive funding of Foundation Aid, possible reforms in the funding formula, the shift in school governance, and a controversial resignation. Meanwhile, at the federal level, President Trump’s re-election could herald significant changes. As we look forward to the next year, it’s clear that the educational landscape in both New York and across the country will continue to evolve.