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.
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Today, AFC and the ARISE Coalition (coordinated by AFC) are testifying before the New York City Council Committee on Finance regarding the Fiscal Year 2027 Executive Budget — Education.
Maria Odom, Executive Director of Advocates for Children of New York (AFC), issued the following statement in response to the release of the New York City Fiscal Year 2027 Executive Budget.
AFC submitted comments to the Mayor’s Office of Equity & Racial Justice regarding the 2026 New York City Preliminary Racial Equity Plan. Our comments focus primarily on the goals regarding NYC Public Schools, particularly in the areas of special education, school climate and social-emotional learning, and literacy instruction.
Today, AFC is testifying before the New York City Council Committee on Education and Committee on Public Safety on ensuring schools are safe and supportive for all students and staff. Our testimony calls on the City to invest in restorative justice, mental health services, and positive behavioral interventions, which are proven to strengthen school climate.
Today, AFC, the ARISE Coalition, and the Transition Alliance (both coordinated by AFC) are testifying at the New York City Council Committee on Education’s Preliminary Budget hearing.
AFC submitted testimony to the New York City Committee on Health, Committee on Mental Health and Substance Use, and Committee on Disabilities on the need to extend and baseline funding for the Mental Health Continuum and increase investments to support students with disabilities.
AFC submitted testimony to the New York City Council Committee on Hospitals on the need to extend and baseline funding for the Mental Health Continuum.
The Fiscal Year 2027 budget must sustain important education programs funded with one-year city dollars, while also increasing investments to address pressing needs and ensuring the City can fulfill its legal obligations to students, including those with disabilities.
Maria Odom, Executive Director of Advocates for Children of New York (AFC), issued the following statement in response to the release of the New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) suspension data report for the 2024–25 school year.
AFC is testifying before the New York City Council Committee on Education regarding transfer schools and in support of Int. 1359, which would require the Department of Education to report on Manifestation Determination Reviews.