Summary 

Introduction to Foundation Aid Formula (00:00 - 00:43)

  • Tiffany introduces "Part 2" focusing on the foundation aid formula
  • Explains this formula determines how public schools receive funding
  • About 23 billion dollars (63%) comes from the city
  • About 15 billion dollars (37%) comes from the state
  • Foundation aid makes up about 25% of total school funding

History of the Foundation Aid Formula (00:43 - 02:19)

  • In 1993, Robert Jackson (former school board president, now state senator) formed an alliance with Teachers College and Alliance for Quality Education
  • They sued the state for underfunding public schools and won in 1995
  • The state appealed, and after another decade, lost again in 2006
  • The foundation aid formula was created to determine school funding allocation

Current Issues with School Funding (02:19 - 04:42)

  • Governor Kathy Hochul only released the full funding for 2024-2025 school year
  • Many programs didn't exist when the formula was created in 2007
  • New factors need to be considered:
    • Increased number of children in the shelter system
    • Refugee crisis
    • New programs like 3K and pre-K
    • Dual language programs

Public Safety Concerns (04:42 - 07:16)

  • Tiffany highlights that peak crime statistics for ages 7-17 occur after school hours
  • Previously, there were free after-school programs
  • Parks Department budget has decreased from 1.7% of total city budget to 0.58%
  • References recent incidents of youth disturbances in malls in the Bronx and Queens
  • Frames school funding as both an equity issue and a public safety issue

Education Quality Concerns (07:16 - 08:19)

  • Tiffany argues for more STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math)
  • Notes that only 1% of students admitted to specialized high schools are Black and brown children
  • Mentions her experience teaching in China and tutoring for SHSAT (Specialized High School Admissions Test)

Call to Action (08:19 - 10:19)

  • Encourages contacting elected officials:
    • Governor Kathy Hochul (provides phone number)
    • Andrea Stewart-Cousins (State Senate Speaker)
    • Carl Heastie (Assembly Speaker)
  • Provides information on how to find your state representatives
  • Asks for campaign support through contributions and volunteers
  • Reminds that the primary election is June 24th

Throughout the presentation, Tiffany positions herself as an advocate for education equity and connects school funding to broader issues of public safety and future preparedness.