AFC testified before the New York City Council Committee on Finance to express our concerns about the impact of the $547 million cut to NYC public schools this year – and the more than $600 million cut planned for next year.
Policy Resources
AFC works to change education policy so that the public school system serves all children effectively. We publish policy reports and data analyses, testify at the City and State levels, speak out in the press to bring attention to the challenges facing the students and families we serve, and join with other advocates, parents, youth, and educators to call for change.
Call to Action to Sustain Education Programs Funded with Expiring Federal COVID-19 Relief
More than 170 organizations are calling on New York leaders to save critical education programs currently supported by temporary federal stimulus funding set to run dry in 2024.211 Results Found
AFC testified before the New York City Council Committee on Education and Committee on Immigration to discuss newcomer immigrant students in New York City public schools. Our testimony highlights concerns and makes recommendations based on our work on the ground providing assistance to many newcomer immigrant families in shelter on education-related issues.
AFC testified before the New York City Council Committees on Education and Public Safety in support of Int. No. 0003-2022, which would regulate the NYPD’s response to students in emotional crisis within public schools.
AFC sent a letter to Mayor Adams emphasizing, in advance of education budget cuts being planned for November, that the City’s obligation to uphold students’ legal rights remains unchanged. As the budget process moves forward, the City must ensure that its choices do not impede its ability to uphold students’ rights and comply with federal and state law, including special education law.
AFC submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Education on New York State’s compliance with respect to transition planning for students with disabilities.
AFC testified before the New York City Council Committee on Education, Committee on General Welfare, and the Committee on Criminal Justice regarding educational programming in detention facilities and Intro 542, which requires DOE, ACS and DOC to report on educational programming for students in court-ordered settings.
AFC testified before the New York City Council Committee on Women and Gender Equity regarding Int. No. 941-2023, and the importance of early childhood education and care in New York City.
AFC submitted comments on the proposed amendments to Chancellor’s Regulation A-412 to better protect students from unnecessary and traumatizing police involvement and provide clear guidance to school staff and School Safety Division (SSD)/NYPD officers to promote safe, respectful, and supportive learning environments for students.
AFC submitted comments regarding the New York State Education Department (NYSED) proposal to amend section 200.5 of the Regulations of the Commissioner regarding extensions in special education due process hearings and related procedures.
AFC testified before the New York City Council Committee on Education in support of Intro. 857, to expand the NYC Department of Education’s data reporting requirements to include metrics on students in foster care, and Intro. 121, to require the DOE to report annually on therapeutic crisis intervention training in schools.