The Executive Budget proposal for 2024-25 appears to pull back from the substantial progress New York has made with Foundation Aid funding in recent years. The proposal is hundreds of millions of dollars below full funding, since it appears that some districts would even see cuts to their Foundation Aid, reversing a decades-long practice of holding school districts harmless.
As the budget stands now, NYSSBA expects many districts would need to absorb unanticipated Foundation Aid reductions and alter budget projections in ways that are likely to negatively impact programs and services. Districts are already grappling with the upcoming expiration of federal stimulus funding, and the academic and social-emotional needs of our students remain high.
School boards continue to support comprehensive revisions to the state’s Foundation Aid formula, including crucial updates to antiquated demographic data, to deliver on its promise of a sound basic education for all students.
But until this major update can be designed and implemented, interim adjustments should be undertaken carefully to ensure that New York does not backslide on its progress of recent years.
NYSSBA appreciates the governor’s continued full funding of reimbursement aids, including transportation and building aid, and her explicit commitment to mental health and literacy support for students.
We look forward to working with legislators, the governor and other education stakeholders in the upcoming weeks on a final budget that works best for the students of New York State.
Click here to access NYSSBA’s 2024 – 25 Executive Budget Analysis. In it you will find the education-related budget proposals along with NYSSBA’s position and response to each item.