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Educational Conference Board calls on state lawmakers to keep promise of full Foundation Aid funding

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Mon, Jan 9th 2023 04:00 pm

Submitted by the New York State Educational Conference Board

New York’s major statewide education organizations released a report detailing the need for the state to keep its promise of full Foundation Aid funding in the 2023-24 state budget, along with other legislative priorities. To read the full report, click here.

The New York State Educational Conference Board (ECB) calls for a $2.7 billion increase in Foundation Aid. This would complete the promise to fully fund the Foundation Aid formula, with a minimum Foundation Aid increase for all districts and full funding of expense-based aids.

“The agreement to fully fund Foundation Aid is a significant milestone,” said ECB Chair John Yagielski. “At the same time, this is a critical juncture. As the state moves toward realizing the promise of Foundation Aid through its full phase-in, it is time to take steps to ensure that Foundation Aid is able to function as a driver of equity in public schools in the decades to come.”

With the promised full phase-in of Foundation Aid, ECB also recommends the State Education Department lead a full review of the Foundation Aid formula in coordination with lawmakers and stakeholders.

The organizations also recommend the state make additional investments in four priority areas of student need: student mental health, career and technical education, universal prekindergarten and universal school meals. These investments all focus on preparing, supporting, nurturing and caring for students across our state.

“This is a pivotal moment as students and families look to their school for greater support,” the paper states. “Districts stand ready with the programs, services and thriving school communities to prepare students for success. Lawmakers’ continued commitment to fully investing in public education is crucial to this vision.” 

The New York State Educational Conference Board is comprised of the Association of School Business Officials of New York; the Conference of Big 5 School Districts; the New York State Council of School Superintendents; New York State PTA; the New York State School Boards Association; New York State United Teachers; and the School Administrators Association of New York State. 

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