Budget & finance
Council members questioned officials as the looming expiration of federal COVID relief money threatens to shave $808 million from the Education Department’s budget.
The smaller budget is largely the result of expiring federal relief dollars, and Adams’ proposal saves a slew of programs that were on the chopping block.
By far, this marks the city’s largest commitment to date to replace the dwindling pandemic aid.
The staffers play a critical role on the front lines of two colliding crises: the exploding number of students living in homeless shelters, and elevated rates of chronic absenteeism in the wake of the pandemic.
Early childhood education programs have seen steep cuts in recent months.
The early childhood cuts, if reversed, would be the latest item slashed by Adams in recent months to get restored thanks to what city officials describe as an improving budget picture.
The Professional Performing Arts School, a Manhattan public school with such alums as Jeremy Allen White, Alicia Keys, and Britney Spears, is losing its theater program.
Advocates and lawmakers have raised concerns that some charter schools may be taking advantage of a state law requiring the city to cover their rental costs.
Critics say the city still hasn’t provided a satisfactory explanation for why the midyear menu reductions were necessary.
Thanks to a budget cut from Mayor Eric Adams, middle school students will face significantly reduced hours — including no programming on Fridays.
Nearly 70% of funding for Learning to Work, a program that offers counselors and paid internships, is set to expire in June.
The “Dignity in Schools” called for the city to put millions toward restorative justice and mental health programs, while diverting money away from school policing.
Advocates celebrated Wednesday’s news, but warned it does nothing to reverse the massive cuts already coming from previous reductions, along with expiring federal aid.
The effects of the cuts are spreading beyond school cafeterias. Manufacturers were shocked by New York City’s decision to yank major menu items midyear.
En octubre, al menos 90,000 beneficios de comida seguían sin utilizarse en la ciudad de Nueva York, un total de por lo menos $35 millones en fondos sin usar.
Long-term subs stay with the same classes and can serve like full-time teachers. New York City schools misclassify them — so their pay doesn’t reflect that.
Education Department officials are removing a host of pricier items, including student favorites like cookies, chicken tenders, French fries, and dumplings.
Adams vowed that every child with a disability would have access to a pre-K seat. That hasn’t happened — and the problem may get worse.
The Education Department will face more than $100 million in new cuts starting next fiscal year, on top of the $600 million in cuts announced in November.
Her support for mayoral control follows heavy critique from New York City educators at a series of recent public hearings.