Action to Save Education Programs
Be part of the movement to protect essential education programs that nurture our children and build stronger communities. Together, we can make an impact by advocating for the support they deserve.
Watch news coverage of Emergency Coalition to Save Education Programs rallies.
New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) has been using temporary federal COVID-19 relief funds and oneyear city funding to pay for critical education programs and help address the needs of students and families.
We appreciate that Mayor Adams’ Fiscal Year 2025 Executive Budget includes around $600M to continue many of these initiatives, including school social workers and psychologists, coordinators working in homeless shelters, Learning to Work, bilingual supports, and more. However, other essential programs were left out of the budget or did not see a full restoration of current funding levels.
These programs and services are at risk of being rolled back or eliminated as soon as this July due to expiring federal or city funds or proposed budget cuts.
Take Action Now
- Call your council members. You can find their council members here: Council Members & Districts – New York City Council (nyc.gov)
- Text Mayor Eric Adams at 917-909-2288
Rallies
Wednesday, May 15th, 9:00 am, City Hall Steps
Please join the Emergency Coalition to Save Education Programs for a rally as we call on city leaders to save important education programs! The rally will take place right before the start of the City Council education budget hearing.
Register here: bit.ly/3QrD3G3
Testify at the City Council Education Budget Hearing
The City Council education budget hearing is taking place on May 15th. You can testify (read a statement of up to two minutes) in person at City Hall or via Zoom. While the hearing starts at 9:30am with the NYC Department of Education’s testimony, public testimony is scheduled to begin at 2:30pm and will likely last into the evening. It would be great to have parents, students, educators, and others talk about the impact of losing one or more of the education programs on the chopping block. You can register to testify at https://council.nyc.gov/testify/. Advocates for Children’s guidance with tips on how to register and how to testify is available online.
While the Mayor’s proposed budget includes funding to continue a number of education initiatives funded with expiring federal stimulus funds, other programs remain on the chopping block. Some programs supported with federal or city dollars expiring in June – such as restorative justice, Student Success Centers, the Mental Health Continuum, immigrant family communication, and school nurses – were left out of the budget, while funding for other programs – like 3-K/Pre-K, preschool special education, and community schools – did not go far enough to cover the gap.
We hope that you will continue to join us in advocating for funding for important education programs for NYC students as the Mayor and City Council negotiate the final budget over the next two months. Thank you for your support and your advocacy!
Friday, May 10, 2024, 10:00am, City Hall Steps
Executive Budget Hearing Children and Youth Services at City Hall — Media Advisory
- To watch the hearing please click on the hearing title on the day of the hearing here: https://council.nyc.gov/livestream/
- If you are planning on testifying live in-person or via video conferencing, please register in advance of the hearing at https://council.nyc.gov/testify/
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- Written testimony may be submitted without registration by emailing it to testimony@council.nyc.gov or via the Council’s website at https://council.nyc.gov/testify/ up to 72 hours after the close of the hearing.
