NYSUT criticizes Hochul’s budget cuts to education: Districts would lose $400M in state aid

New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) has expressed strong disapproval of Governor Hochul’s proposed executive budget, which includes significant cuts to Foundation Aid, impacting all of New York’s nearly 700 school districts. The budget plan entails a reduction of over $400 million in public school aid. NYSUT’s analysis indicates this will adversely affect high-need districts and small, rural communities, with more than half of the cuts impacting High Needs Districts.

The proposed budget marks a significant shift from the previous year when Foundation Aid was fully funded for the first time in state history. NYSUT President Melinda Person labeled the cuts a betrayal of promises made to support students and communities. The reductions stem from changes to the formula’s consumer price index adjustment and the elimination of the “save harmless” policy.

The cuts, as outlined by NYSUT, reveal a grim picture for several districts. For instance, Hudson faces a 16% cut in Foundation Aid, amounting to $2.9 million. Similarly, Mount Vernon, Clifton-Fine, and Central Islip districts confront substantial reductions, severely impacting economically disadvantaged students. NYSUT advocates for thoughtful, research-based updates to the Foundation Aid formula, rather than arbitrary financial measures.