Senate Majority Announces Statewide Roundtables and Hearing To Discuss Foundation Aid

(Albany, NY) The Senate Majority today announced that the Senate Education Committee and the Senate Committee on Budget and Revenues will hold a series of roundtables and a public hearing to hear from stakeholders regarding the components and disbursement of Foundation Aid. Senator Shelley Mayer, Chair of the Senate Education Committee, will lead these hearings in partnership with Senator Brian Benjamin, Chair of the Senate Committee on Budget and Revenues, and will focus on how Foundation Aid meets student, district and community needs with the goal of achieving greater equity in school financing. The first roundtable will take place on October 16 in the Hudson Valley, with subsequent roundtables taking place in Western New York, Central New York, Long Island and New York City, followed by a public hearing in Manhattan. 

“Every New York student, regardless of zip code or school district, deserves access to a high quality education,” Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said. “We need to have real discussions on how our public schools are funded and if this is the most effective way to ensure New York students receive the education they deserve. The hearing and roundtables will help provide guidance to the Senate Democratic Majority as we prepare for the upcoming budget process and state public education allocations. I applaud Senator Mayer and Senator Benjamin for organizing these events and for their commitment to reviewing New York’s education funding system.” 

Senator Shelley Mayer, Chair of the Senate Education Committee said, “After a public hearing in May with national experts, and after numerous meetings with education groups, school district leaders, parents, and other stakeholders, it was indisputable that we needed to hold regional roundtables across the state and provide an opportunity for greater engagement at a public hearing. It is clear that in order to achieve greater educational equity, we must hear from stakeholders on the elements of the current Foundation Aid Formula, which was written in 2007. I am proud to work with colleagues who want to ensure every child receives, at a minimum, a sound basic education. Thank you to Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Senator Brian Benjamin, and my Senate colleagues for being strong partners in this effort.”

Senator Brian Benjamin, Chair of the Senate Committee on Budget and Revenues said, “For too long educational resources have been disproportionately distributed across New York. As we continue to fight and provide opportunities for all New Yorkers, it is important that we hear from all stakeholders involved in this matter. These hearings will provide further insight and allow us to advance a more equitable distribution of state funds in order to deliver a quality education for all New York families. I want to thank the Chair of the Senate Education Committee, Senator Shelley Mayer, for her leadership and partnership on this issue.”

Roundtable Meetings:

• Hudson Valley - October 16, Yonkers Riverfront Library, One Larkin Plaza, Community Room AB, Yonkers, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
• Western New York - October 18, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, 665 Elm St, Zebro Family Conference Room, Buffalo, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
• Central New York - October 29, Syracuse Center of Excellence, 727 E. Washington St, Room 203, Syracuse, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
• Long Island - November 13, Seaford Middle School, 3940 Sunset Ave, Seaford, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
• New York City - November 19, Bayside High School, 3224 Corporal Kennedy St, Bayside, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Public Hearing:

New York City - December 3, 250 Broadway, 19th Floor, Manhattan, 10:00 am.
Participation at the roundtables is by invitation only. Members of the public are encouraged to attend and listen. Anyone who wishes to submit written testimony is encouraged to do so by email to asciutto@nysenate.gov. 

Participation at the public hearing in New York City is open to the public. Anyone wishing to testify, or submit written comments, please complete the form available here and submit to asciutto@nysenate.gov.