New York Officials and Lawmakers Oppose Hochul's School Funding Formula Changes

The proposed adjustments to the state's school funding formula have sparked significant opposition, citing potential harm to hundreds of districts.

Top education officials and state lawmakers are pushing back against Governor Kathy Hochul's proposal to revise New York's school funding formula, which could lead to budget cuts for 337 school districts.
The changes include altering the inflation calculation method and removing a provision that protects districts with declining enrollment from losing aid, raising concerns about the impact on rural areas and the city's public schools.
New York City schools are expected to lose $131 million under the proposed changes, exacerbating financial challenges as federal pandemic aid expires.
Education Commissioner Betty Rosa and other advocates are calling for a three- to five-year plan to develop a new formula, emphasizing the abruptness of the proposed changes and the lack of consultation.
Despite the controversy, the governor's office defends the proposal, highlighting the need to address the formula's reliance on outdated data and the potential for more equitable distribution of funds.