FOR RELEASE: February 1, 2023
Gov. Hochul’s 2023-24 budget proposal gives state leaders a running start on delivering a budget that bolsters opportunity for all of our students.
School boards appreciate the governor’s follow-through on her promise to fully fund foundation aid and her commitment to funding universal prekindergarten programs and school-based mental health clinics.
In addition to a fully funded foundation aid formula (for the first time ever), the budget proposal includes full funding of the expense-based aids that go to support capital projects, pupil transportation, and educational programs for students with disabilities.
Importantly, under the governor’ proposal, no school district would be shut out of foundation aid growth, as the budget provides a 3% minimum foundation aid increase.
We also support the governor’s proposed one-year extension of retiree income waivers, providing schools with an expanded pool of teachers, bus drivers and other experienced professionals to continue supporting students without sacrificing their pension benefits.
We had hoped to hear more encouraging news about plans to provide universal school meals for all students, now that the federal pandemic-era meals program has expired. We will work with lawmakers to achieve more universal access to school meals and other priorities to support the well-being of students.
With the full funding of foundation aid realized, school board members anticipate working with lawmakers and education finance experts to plan necessary updates to the foundation aid formula and to ensure that schools receive sufficient, sustainable funding into the future. A strong financial foundation makes stronger public schools.