Education Funding Proposals Criticized
A recent proposal by Gov. Andrew Cuomo has grabbed the attention of education groups from across the state.
According to the New York State School Boards Association, the governor’s proposed $1 billion increase in education aid is a good place to start, and updating the foundation aid formula is a good idea. The group also likes the idea of bringing together pre-kindergarten funding. However, the NYSSBA sees room for improvement.
“By our calculations, the actual amount of unrestricted school aid available to districts in the proposed budget is closer to $761 million,” said Timothy G. Kremer, NYSSBA executive director. “The budget includes and undefined $150 million ‘stabilization fund’ along with several funding categories earmarked for specific purposes such as pre-K and after school programs. We support these initiatives, but believe the funding allocated for them should instead be used to increase foundation aid. That would give school districts the flexibility to direct funds toward educational programs and services that would most benefit their students.”
Also, the association stands against the governor’s proposal to “repeal the foundation aid formula.” Foundation Aid is a funding formula used to calculate aid for districts in a more equitable fashion.
“The foundation aid formula was put in place to make state education funding more understandable, and to provide school districts with a predictable funding stream,” Kremer said. “Repealing the formula would eliminate both of these objectives.”
The NYSSBA isn’t alone in its disdain for the foundation aid repeal. The Alliance for Quality Education also put out a statement regarding the proposal, saying if the proposed changes go through, a $4.3 million debt owed by New York state to students would be eliminated and the amount of Foundation Aid schools would receive would be “locked-in” at the 2017-18 levels.
“The Cuomo administration failed to be transparent or forth coming about these changes,” the statement concludes. “The governor made six State of the State presentations, he held a briefing for reporters that was live-streamed and he published a budge briefing book that is supposed to explain the budget. But, never once did the administration mention this major and dramatic change.’
When the proposal was found in the budget bills, the administration did not attempt to refute the content, the statement continues.
“This may be business as usual in Albany, but we should expect better,” the statement reads in closing.
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