Albany, NY - New York State Council of School Superintendents Executive Director Charles Dedrick issued the following statement on Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed 2024-25 state budget:
“Governor Hochul’s proposed 2024-25 state budget would undermine one of the signature accomplishments of her administration—achieving full funding of the Foundation Aid formula.
“The proposal would reduce by over $400 million the Foundation Aid level called for by the formula now in law. That proposed increase—2.1%—would be less than what the budget forecasts for inflation in the coming year. Districts strain now to find resources to offer pay needed to keep and recruit necessary employees.
“The Foundation Aid changes would further imperil already struggling districts. Past Foundation Aid increases and now expiring federal assistance have enabled widespread improvements in key student services. But repeatedly we hear from superintendents that their schools have taken on helping students and families with many needs beyond academics—health care, child care, after school care, mental health services, food assistance, and more. Many say they cannot meet all the needs in their community. Many, especially in rural areas, say their schools are the only agencies where families can find that help.
“We thank the Governor for proposing to maintain full funding of reimbursement aids for schools and for prioritizing improving mental health services for schoolchildren and other New Yorkers in need.
“We look forward to working with the Governor, legislators, and partners in education to produce a final budget that does our very best to support all students, everywhere in our state.”
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The New York State Council of School Superintendents is a professional and advocacy organization with over a century of service to school superintendents and assistant superintendents in New York State. The Council provides more than 875 members with numerous professional development opportunities, publications and personal services while advocating for public education and the superintendency.