CM Zhuang on state foundation aid and 3K budgeting

Thank you.

Okay.

So one quick question about the state funding, because I know that the state passed the budget, yay, for FY27, which I know we were waiting on for a while.

And they're going to provide $15.3 billion in school aid to New York City, including $11 billion in foundation aid.

So just wanted to know how much additional foundation aid funding is left to be recognized at adoption over what was included in the executive plan.

Yep, so we estimate about $18.7 million is left to be allocated in the adopted budget.

Perfect.

And then can you also discuss the importance of getting the English language learner weight increased and a new weight for students in temporary housing and foster care, which I know we talked about?

We are extremely excited that those two things happened within the state budget, something that we have been advocating for for a very long time.

I know that while we are happy and grateful that those things actually made it in, we're going to continue to advocate for regional cost index and increase funding for our students with disabilities.

But happy to see that we're on the right track with having the foundation aid formula updated.

And we will continue to partner with our city and state partners for more funding from the state to New York City.

And then given that, would you support the call for $3 million in funding to provide interim transportation for students in foster care that are awaiting school bus service?

I think that was the amount that we were looking at.

3 million from the funding that we received.

Yes.

So unfortunately, any increases above 3% that we receive from state aid is actually geared towards or shifted to C4E, which is a restricted funding source.

Got it.

Okay.

And then just in terms of the 3K under budgeting, and then I promise I'll be done with my questions at least.

In the preliminary plan, the administration addressed significant under budgeting in the 3K budget, including reversing the 170 million peg from the previous administration.

So can you speak to the under budgeting in the 3K budget and what factors led to this issue?

So I think I want to pivot to the fact that that funding was actually put up in the preliminary plan, which did also reverse the $170 million in cuts.

So I think what this administration has come in and done is show the importance of investing in sustaining the system.

Again, prior to that, we had $170 million worth of cuts related to empty seats, but we never actually did anything with those seats.

So happy to see that that was restored and then the acknowledgement of our contractual obligations to our CBO.

So just again, want to point out that the preliminary budget, which is this admin's first budget, addressed all of those things.

Okay.

Yeah, because it included the reversal of the $170 million peg, yes.

And then what was the gap in 3K funding in FY27 prior to the preliminary plan?

I can get back to you on that.

Okay.

And then for the $205 million for 3K and $30 million for pre-K, how will you utilize the additional funds and recognize...

Recognizing the preliminary plan from the state executive budget for FY27.

So those funds are doing two things specifically for 3K primarily is creating those new seats I mentioned earlier, but also sustaining that existing, the existing portfolio.

Okay.

And then how much of this new state funding will be utilized for the 2000 new 3K seats?

So $73 million is dedicated to 2K.

Okay.

And then what other programming has this funding been allocated towards?

For early care and education specifically for New York City public schools, I believe you cover a day chair.

Okay.

Perfect.

Are you ready or?

I'm always ready.

Okay, perfect.

Go ahead.

Go, yeah?

Yes.