Hi John,

As we are going into an uncertain and even hostile federal public education context, state and local leaders must step up to protect and invest in the future of our youngest. If we fail to act, systemic inequities will continue to harm the students needing support the most.

That’s why we’re calling on you to join us at AQE Advocacy Day on Tuesday, February 4, in Albany. We’ll meet with elected officials to demand the investments necessary to build a more equitable public education system for all New York’s children.

Whether you’re joining us for your first advocacy day or could benefit from a refresher, we encourage you to attend a training session on January 22 or January 27. You’ll learn how to effectively communicate with elected officials and advocate for your community’s public schools and students. 

We’ll be sharing our priorities for a more equitable New York for all over the coming days and weeks. To start us off, here’s what we’re advocating for in public education in 2025 to ensure equity and opportunity for all students:

Fully Fund Our Schools + Update the Foundation Aid Formula
The Foundation Aid formula was designed to equitably fund all schools, but it hasn’t kept pace with the evolving needs of students. We need to revise it to address those gaps, such as challenges faced by students experiencing housing instability, special education needs, and increased support for English language learners. Updating and fully funding this formula will ensure all students have what they need to succeed.

Expand Universal Pre-K

While New York has made strides in expanding full-day pre-K to all four-year-olds and some three-year-olds, persistent issues remain, including lack of transportation, wraparound services, and too few pre-K teachers earning adequate wages. We’re calling for a $25 million investment to raise per-child rates to at least $10,000 for all districts implementing pre-K. It must be funded as a core part of our education system, with increased equity between public schools and community-based programs. This funding will ensure all children have a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

End Jim Crow Education in East Ramapo
In East Ramapo, Black and Latinx students have been systematically denied their right to a quality public education due to ongoing governance failures. To correct this, we need reforms that guarantee fair representation for public school families and provide access to the resources necessary for student success. This includes addressing longstanding issues such as crumbling infrastructure, a shortage of bilingual educators, poor access to quality classroom instruction and materials, and financial mismanagement. Passing legislation to empower families and fix these inequities is essential to creating a fair and equitable education system in this district. 

Pass the Solutions Not Suspensions Bill (A118/S134)
The overuse of suspensions in schools disproportionately harms Black, brown, and LGBTQIA+ students, pushes them out of the classroom, and disrupts their education. This bill will require schools to use proven alternatives to suspensions, like restorative justice for minor infractions. It would also provide $5 million for educator training to foster engagement and learning in the classroom.

Advocating for public education is one of the most direct ways to create change in your community. Together, we can demand the investments needed to secure equity and opportunity for every student in New York.

Stay tuned for future emails, where we’ll highlight other important priorities in our fight for a more equitable New York for all.

In solidarity,