New York City public schools facing a decline in student enrollment will not see their budgets cut this year, as announced by city officials on Wednesday. This decision marks a return to a controversial policy that was initially put in place during the pandemic.
Approximately half of the city’s 1,600 schools were set to experience budget reductions totaling $157 million if planned mid-year adjustments had taken effect. However, schools that have seen an increase in student numbers will receive an additional $146 million in funding.
“Our main goal is to make sure every school leader has the necessary resources and support to accomplish their school’s mission and help our children succeed,” said Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos.
Funding for individual schools is typically decided during the summer based on projections of student enrollment. The city invests about $30,000 per student annually.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, City Hall introduced a policy called “hold harmless,” which utilized federal funds to ensure schools didn’t suffer financial losses despite decreasing student numbers.
This recent decision by Mayor Eric Adams to reinstate the “hold harmless” policy has faced criticism. Some critics argue that it perpetuates a system that rewards underperformance rather than addressing the challenges many schools face. Eric Nadelstern, a former deputy chancellor under Mayor Michael Bloomberg, emphasized that this policy is a disincentive for schools to improve since it shields them from the realities of declining enrollment.
Nadelstern commented that the move seems to be politically motivated, suggesting it is an effort to appease the United Federation of Teachers, the influential teachers’ union in the city.
Ken Girardin, a researcher at the Empire Center for Public Policy, pointed out that this policy does little to help students or taxpayers. Instead, it protects the interests of the current educational establishment. He stated that New York City is due for a reevaluation of its education system, especially in light of changing demographics and the rising popularity of charter schools.
“This decision prioritizes the existing school system over students’ needs,” Girardin argued, suggesting that public funding should truly follow the students rather than maintaining a monopoly on education.
Political analyst Hank Sheinkopf noted that Mayor Adams is in a precarious position as he navigates his political and legal challenges, including low approval ratings and a significant federal indictment. Sheinkopf suggested that staying on the good side of educational unions is politically strategic for Adams at this time.
The city had recently begun making mid-year budget adjustments based on actual enrollment figures for the first time since the pandemic. However, with various school initiatives, increased staffing, and new compliance with state class size regulations, the mayor found himself under pressure to revert to the “hold harmless” policy.
As of now, the mayor’s office has not responded to requests for further comment on this decision.
