NYC Boosts Funding for Schools With Declining Enrollment, Adds $75M to Budget

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Department of Education (DOE) Chancellor David C. Banks, and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams announced a plan to inject $75 million into public schools.

The announcement was made at PS 184 on the Lower East Side on Tuesday, June 4th, as part of the broader budget negotiations for the fiscal year 2025.

Schools experiencing a decrease in student numbers, representing 15% of city schools, will receive a portion of the new funding. 

The influx of funds will help sustain long-term initiatives that were initially supported by temporary federal stimulus dollars, which are nearing expiration.

The funding initiative is designed to counteract potential budget cuts for 15% of the city’s schools that have seen reduced enrollment. 

This financial support will ensure that these schools can continue to provide essential educational services at the levels previously set in the mid-year budget adjustments. 

Moreover, $32 million of this funding will be specifically allocated to sustain various educational programs such as teacher recruitment, restorative justice, digital learning, and computer science, which were initially backed by temporary federal stimulus funds.

Adams said, “We know that when we invest in our children’s Education, we invest in our city’s future. That’s why we are giving back to our young people and to their working parents,”

The mayor added, “Today, we are investing $32 million to protect important long-term school programs that had been funded with short-term COVID-19 stimulus funds, $20 million for extended programming for Summer Rising, and $75 million to hold schools harmless against enrollment declines so that schools and principals can proceed with certainty and continuity. We know that it takes a city to raise a child, and today, we are giving our young people a chance to learn and grow their talents and imagination by investing in their future.”

In addition to the school funding, the city administration has also pledged $20 million to bolster the Summer Rising program. This enhancement will extend the program’s hours until 6 p.m. for middle school students and reintroduce Friday sessions, benefiting around 110,000 elementary and middle school students with both fun and educational summer activities.

Adrienne Adams noted, “Education is the great equalizer, and programs like Summer Rising and restorative justice will help support our students’ educational journeys, while supporting working families. Holistic support programs for students can help bridge the gap in learning loss from the pandemic and equip students with the resources to recover. 

The speaker added, “There is still work to do in our education budget, especially on early childhood education programs, and we look forward to continuing this work with the administration and all stakeholders to deliver the meaningful investments that our children and families need to succeed.”

Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Ana J. Almanzar said, “The program provides our students with a mix of academic, social, and cultural activities to help them learn, grow, and explore the city around them. This important funding restoration will ensure our young people have additional time to participate in these activities, keeping them active, and safe during the summer months.”

Chief of Staff Camille Joseph Varlack emphasized nurturing future leaders through New York City’s public schools. She pointed out that Summer Rising extends educational opportunities, social interactions, and provides a fun, safe space during summer. 

The United Federation of Teachers has welcomed this announcement, acknowledging the positive impact of such initiatives on the educational community. “This is progress. These are programs and initiatives that make a difference for our students and our school communities,” a representative expressed.

Chancellor Banks also praised the program, remarking, “Our schools are not only places of academic excellence, but community centers, buildings filled with mentors and trusted adults, and classrooms dedicated to developing the future leaders of our city.”

Adams and the City Council are still in discussions to finalize the budget for fiscal year 2025, starting July 1. They need to agree on a final spending plan by June 30.