As taxes and inflation seem to only be getting higher, schools across the country are being heavily impacted. New York City schools, specifically, are under pressure due to changes in state funding policies.
The state’s approach to funding education has undergone many changes that many believe do not benefit the education system. The “hold harmless” policy, which ensured that school districts did not receive less funding than the previous year, was eliminated in the 2024-25 budget proposal. Because of this change it resulted in funding cuts for approximately 44% of the state’s school districts, including those in New York City. This led to New York schools facing a loss of $131 million due to the state’s school funding formula.
In addition, inflation has further strained school budgets by increasing the costs of goods and services essential for daily operations. For instance, rising prices for classroom supplies, utilities, and transportation all have impacted school budgets. This has forced schools to use more funds to maintain basic services. Labor costs have also risen, as schools try to offer more appealing salaries to attract qualified teachers and staff. These financial difficulties make it hard for schools to invest in new programs or expand existing ones.
Cardozo l is not exempt from these issues, as it also faces these struggles. In the 2020-21 school year, Cardozo had an enrollment of 3,591 students with just under 200 teachers. The school appealed for additional staff due to the number of employees working remotely and students opting for blended learning, but did not receive approval from the Department of Education.
Support groups and educational organizations have vocally shown their concerns about the impact of funding cuts and have called for revisions to the state’s school funding to ensure better distribution of resources. Some schools have looked at different forms of funding sources, such as grants and partnerships with local businesses and community organizations. However, these measures often provide temporary help and can not fully compensate for the reductions in state funding.
Changes in state funding and inflation have created huge financial difficulties for New York high schools. Our school and many others have felt the effects, with budget cuts causing staff shortages and fewer school programs. To solve these problems, the government needs to realize the importance of education and consider the true costs of it.
