FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, October 22, 2007
For More Information Contact:
Jonathan Burman, Tom Dunn or Alan Ray at (518) 474-1201
Internet: http://www.nysed.gov
BOARD OF REGENTS PROPOSES INCREASE
IN STATE AID TO SCHOOLS
The Board of Regents today proposed increasing total State Aid by $1.94 billion. Of that total, Foundation Aid to schools would increase by $1.8 billion.
“It is vital that we continue the historic reform in State Aid enacted last year. This proposed increase in aid represents what the Regents believe is needed to build on last year’s successes and help close the achievement gap while raising achievement for all through the State,” Regents Chancellor Robert M. Bennett said.
“This proposal is another key step in fulfilling our commitment to give adequate support to the children who need help the most,” State Education Commissioner Richard Mills said.
Foundation Aid
This historic reform first proposed by the Regents in November 2003 was adopted by the Governor and Legislature last year. The Regents propose that 73 percent of these funds go to high need schools next year, up from 65 percent this year. The Regents Foundation Aid program will continue the approach that defines a foundation amount based on the cost of successful programs, and then adjusts for difference in student need, regional cost variations, and an expected local contribution.
The recommendation reflects the Regents vision for the second year of Foundation Aid, informed by some of the steps taken in the budget process last session. There will be ongoing debates about availability of funds. The proposal would continue adjustments in the calculation of property valuation that emerged in the last legislative session, and would keep in place the consolidation of some thirty then-existing programs.
Career and Technical Education
The Regents are proposing to increase the number of proven Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs through $6 million in Challenge Grants. The goal: enroll 20,000 more students. CTE programs enable students to earn a Regents Diploma AND get an industry-approved credential. Students who complete the programs graduate from high school at higher rates than students who don’t enroll.
Universal Prekindergarten
The Regents are proposing the expansion of Universal Pre-K by $104 million to $535 million. They urge making the funding more flexible to support full-day pre-K, as well as half-day Pre-K.
Improve Instruction for English Language Learners
The Regents are proposing expanded support for English Language Learners by increasing the weight given to ELL students in the foundation formula. Accountability should be enhanced by requiring districts to set targets for improvement and use proven programs.
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See attached State Aid proposal.