That’s why we’ve been saying for the last couple of years, ‘What you really need to do is start from scratch and say, let’s look at current needs — and once we examine what those current needs are, let’s come up with a fair formula.’ Our position is: That is exactly what the Constitution requires.
The system that was in effect before this court order was basically political wheeling and dealing…Whoever was in control of the legislature was in control of how that pie was divvied up…They’d have 50 different formulas, and depending who they felt they had to appeal to politically, they put more money in that basket.
The state must determine what is the amount of money you need for sound basic education based on relative need. Now that is the most critical thing, and that’s really what we’re relying on here. Essentially, the court was saying, ‘You don’t go in a backroom and throw around figures depending on political power.’
The analysis required to create a new formula that adequately and equitably meets current student needs cannot be accomplished in seven months.
Supporters of the Campaign for Fiscal Equity demonstrate in 2016. (Photo courtesy of CEE)
Gov. Kathy Hochul visits a NYC school in 2021. (Photo: Getty Images)
(Photo: iStock)
Michael Rebell with students in Rhode Island during civic education efforts in 2019. (Photo: CEE)