Coalition disappointed with education budget increase
Kelly Fay
After the unveiling of the 2014-2015 Executive Budget, legislators, parents and school administrators are calling the proposed 3.8 percent increase in funding for New York's schools a disappointment.
While Gov. Andrew Cuomo outlined plans to increase school aid by more than $600 million this year — nearly 4 percent — the amount falls far short of the $1.9 billion in direct funding education advocates have been demanding.
In his Executive Budget, Cuomo outlined plans to implement statewide pre-K, establish policies to smooth the implementation of Common Core standards and create financial incentives for the most effective teachers. The early education initiative will be funded with $1.5 billion provided over a five-year period. Cuomo also proposed $720 million for the expansion of afterschool programs and a $2 billion Smart Schools Bond Act to fund the use of technology in the classroom.
While applauding the governor's demand for access to early education, advocates including the Alliance for Quality Education and Citizen Action of New York said inadequate funding levels would not allow for the successful implementation of the initiatives announced.
http://www.legislativegazette.com/Articles-Top-Stories-c-2014-01-27-86522.113122-Coalition-disappointed-with-education-budget-increase.html