News

On Board Online • March 16, 2026

By Eric D. Randall
Editor-in-Chief

For the second year in a row, Gov. Kathy Hochul has included money in her proposed state budget to ensure all who attend schools that participate in the federal meals program will receive free breakfast and lunch

On Board Online • March 16, 2026

By Eric D. Randall
Editor-in-Chief

While Gov. Kathy Hochul has proposed a minimum foundation aid increase of 1% for all school districts, the Assembly and Senate have formally expressed their support for a minimum increase of 2%.

On Board Online • March 16, 2026

Excerpts from a Feb. 26 statement by Regents Chancellor Lester Young Jr. and Education Commissioner Betty Rosa:

By Alan Wechsler
Special Correspondent

In 2024, one in 10 adolescents ages 12-17 had serious thoughts of suicide in the prior year, and 4.6% made a suicide plan

On Tuesday, the Senate and Assembly released their “one house” budget proposals, reflecting each house’s respective responses to the executive budget.

With three weeks remaining until the state’s official April 1st budget deadline, both the Senate and Assembly adopted their respective “one-house” budget proposals today. Detailed summaries of each proposal can be viewed below.

On Board Online • February 23, 2026

By Alan Wechsler
Special Correspondent

Not long after the final school bell, seventh-grader Yazeed Ibrahim lays down on a mattress to be examined by Rick Knizek, head athletic trainer in the Shenendehowa Central School District in Saratoga County.

On Board Online • February 23, 2026

By Paul Heiser
Senior Research Analyst

The state Teachers' Retirement System (TRS) has released an administrative bulletin recommending school districts use an employer contribution rate of 8.24% of 2026-27 payroll when planning their 2026-27 budgets.