NYC Restores Pandemic-Era Policy Protecting School Budgets from Midyear Cuts

Mayor Adams' decision spares under-enrolled schools $157 million in cuts while allocating $146 million to schools with higher-than-expected enrollment.

• The New York City Department of Education announced a return to the 'hold harmless' policy, preventing midyear budget cuts for schools with lower-than-projected enrollment.
• This decision spares approximately half of the city's 1,600 schools from losing $157 million in funding, while schools with increased enrollment will receive an additional $146 million.
• The policy, first implemented during the pandemic, was reinstated following pressure to maintain funding levels for schools introducing new programs and adhering to class size laws.
• Critics argue the move rewards inefficiency and benefits unions and administrators rather than students or taxpayers, highlighting broader issues with declining enrollment and resource allocation.
• Mayor Eric Adams' decision is seen by some as politically motivated, aiming to avoid backlash from unions and advocates as he faces low approval ratings and political challenges.

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