A brand new system of allocating New York City's public education dollars was introduced by Schools Chancellor Joel Klein today. The per-pupil system streamlines an older complicated method that over-funded some schools and left others short-changed. Thanks to a billion dollar boost in the budget provided for by Albany, the transition should be a smooth one.
From The New York Times:
The new budget system, a core component of Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg’s effort to revamp the nation’s largest school system, ties $5.3 billion of the city’s $16.9 billion schools budget to individual students, allotting a fixed amount per child and extra dollars based on particular needs.
It directs relatively more new spending to middle and elementary schools and less to high schools. The city, however, is using an overall $1 billion increase in education spending by the state, city and federal governments to ensure that no school loses money next year, absent a drop in enrollment or other factors like the loss of federal grants.
“Because we are committed to success for all students,” Mr. Klein said at a news conference yesterday at his office, “we are sending new funds to students who have the greatest needs, such as middle schoolers, students who are scoring at the lowest levels on math and English exams, English-language learners and special education students.”
The new system will have its share of critics complaining of a whole assortment of issues. Yet Klein and the other architect of the plan, Robert Gordon have been preparing for them. The weighted system gives the most to middle school students and helps out more for students needing bilingual education. The schools that have been more well-off will not feel a pinch yet, as Bloomberg has given them a two year leeway.
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