Yesterday we posted an initial update on the State budget. See: http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=92f9219a05f084cf8d409ad09&id=1ce2da1cc2 Next week we will add an analysis of the impact on New York State public school districts.
So what do we think of this budget?
While NYSASBO and other education groups urged for school aid increases around nine percent, the six percent increase included in this budget will be welcome for and well used by school districts. NYSASBO also applauds the blended approach to eliminating the GEA and funding Foundation Aid and the use of need factors to ensure school districts with the greatest needs receive the most funding. Factors included in GEA and Foundation Aid that reflect student poverty, the concentration of extraordinary student needs, student growth, the growth of limited English proficient students all reflect proposals advanced or supported by NYSASBO.
I would also note that controversial proposals relating to teacher evaluation, teacher tenure, and the takeover of 'failing' schools (not my word) seem to have improved with the budget process. Time will tell of course as sparsely staffed SED takes on the rollout of these initiatives.
Your reactions? We would love to hear.