Hi John,

Tomorrow, August 8, the second-to-last Foundation Aid hearing in this review process will take place at Laurens Central School in Central New York. Your involvement - whether by attending in-person or submitting written comment online - has the power to make a real difference. Ensuring that community voices are heard is crucial to shaping a more just and effective public education system for all New Yorkers.

If you plan to attend in person, please remember to submit your speaker registration form in advance. Our testimony resources, available in both English and Spanish, can help you prepare your statement. If you cannot attend a hearing in person, you can still contribute your written testimony online by September 6.  You can also watch the hearing live on Rockefeller’s livestream.

Last week’s hearing on Long Island once again brought to light the significant challenges schools are facing as they continue to recover from the pandemic. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the many students who courageously shared their experiences. Their collective testimonies vividly illustrated the stark disparities in resources between well-supported schools and those struggling to provide similar opportunities. These disparities are too often tied to racial and socioeconomic factors affecting broader communities. The powerful voices of these students underscored the crucial role of Foundation Aid in ensuring equitable opportunities for all, particularly those in long-underserved communities.

The Rockefeller Institute’s recommendations will significantly impact Governor Hochul’s education budget for the upcoming fiscal year. With the Governor’s focus on budget constraints potentially overshadowing the state’s constitutional commitment to a sound basic education, to prevent the likes of larger class sizes and reduced support services, it is essential to advocate now for adequate funding and an improved Foundation Aid formula during this process. 

The final two hearings are scheduled as follows, with stakeholder testimony will begin at 2pm and public comment for registered speakers starting at 5:30pm:

• August 8: Laurens, Central NY (Laurens Central School)

• August 14: Guilderland, Capital Region (Guilderland High School)

Your personal experiences can profoundly influence the future of our public education system. Be sure to join the conversation by providing your testimony, as your participation is vital to addressing all New Yorkers' educational needs.