Statement from NYSUT President Melinda Person:
“For too long, outdated models and inequitable funding formulas have left many students — especially those in high-need districts — without the resources they need to thrive. The Rockefeller Institute’s report provides an important analytical framework for addressing these inequities and ensuring every public school student has access to the high-quality education they deserve.
Updating the outdated funding formula is a critical step forward, and we support some of the report’s recommendations. However, we remain concerned about recommendations that arbitrarily lower the Foundation Aid amount instead of considering the necessary support for our schools’ evolving student populations. Any changes to the formula must prioritize stability and predictability for school districts.
Beyond formula adjustments, policymakers must address broader systemic challenges that impact school funding, such as youth mental health supports, child poverty across the state, and infrastructure investments. These critical areas directly shape the experiences of our students and educators, who are being asked to do more than ever before.
As policymakers consider these findings in the upcoming state budget, we urge them to prioritize the voices of students, parents and educators. Their lived experiences must guide the decisions that will shape the future of our public schools.”