NYC School Funding Formula: A $25 Billion Overhaul?

The Rockefeller Institute has released a report proposing significant changes to New York's school funding formula, Foundation Aid, which distributes roughly $24.9 billion annually to school districts, including over $9.5 billion to NYC. The current formula, implemented in 2007, relies on outdated data (like the 2000 Census) and doesn't account for modern needs.

Key Recommendations:

The report calls for:

• Updating data: Moving beyond the outdated 2000 Census data to reflect current student poverty levels.
• Addressing Inflation: Modifying the formula to account for inflation.
• Nuanced Calculations: Creating more precise funding calculations for students with disabilities.
• Phasing Out "Save Harmless": This controversial recommendation would gradually eliminate funding protection for districts with declining enrollment, a proposal that faces pushback from the governor.

Mixed Reactions and Concerns:

The report's recommendations have sparked mixed reactions. While some see it as a step towards improvement, others argue it doesn't go far enough, failing to address issues like the needs of students in temporary housing (over 146,000 last year in NYC). Critics also point to the formula's failure to account for rising costs and the increased services schools are providing today (mental health support, ESL instruction).

State Senator Shelley Mayer emphasized that the legislature and governor will make the final determination on any changes. Governor Hochul's office has already distanced itself from the proposal to phase out the "save harmless" provision.

Advocates for Children expressed disappointment, stating the report lacked recommendations for adding weights for homeless and foster care students, funding for 3-K and pre-K, and addressing new class size limits.

Unclear Impacts on NYC Schools:

The report's impact on specific NYC schools remains unclear because the recommendations are interconnected. Some proposals might reduce funding, while others may increase it. The state isn't obligated to adopt the report's suggestions.

The NYC Education Department and the United Federation of Teachers are reviewing the report, with mixed responses regarding the value of the recommendations.

The Need for Regular Updates:

The Rockefeller Institute stressed the importance of regularly updating the funding formula, suggesting a review every 3-5 years to address evolving student needs and educational priorities. The current 17-year gap between major revisions is deemed unacceptable.