The governor’s decision is a threat to education equity

As the superintendent of schools for our community, I am deeply troubled by a recent decision by Gov. Kathy Hochul that threatens to destabilize our education system. The removal of “save harmless” from the foundation aid formula is not just a bureaucratic adjustment; it is a direct attack on our children’s future and the viability of our schools.

“Save harmless” has long been a vital provision in the foundation aid formula, ensuring that districts don’t experience a decrease in funding from the previous year. This safeguard has provided stability for districts across the state, particularly those facing economic challenges, when planning future school budgets. Its removal now spells disaster for many districts, resulting in a significant loss of funds that will impact our ability to continue to provide quality education.

What makes this decision particularly distressing is the context in which it comes. For years, educators, parents and advocates have campaigned for the full restoration of foundation aid funding. After decades of advocacy, there was finally hope on the horizon that our schools would receive the support they need and deserve. But Hochul’s decision to remove “Save Harmless” has shattered those hopes and plunged us back into uncertainty.

In the ongoing debate about education funding reform, the proposed changes to the calculation of inflation aid growth have sparked significant concern. The elimination of “save harmless” provisions and the shift toward a 10-year average rate for inflation calculation are at the forefront of these discussions. While proponents frame these changes as a modest increase of 2.1 percent, the reality is far more nuanced. In truth, these alterations could result in cuts of more than $500 million.

The concept of “save harmless” has been pivotal in ensuring stability for many districts, shielding them from abrupt funding decreases. Its potential elimination, coupled with the transition to a 10-year inflation average, introduces uncertainty and financial strain. This shift threatens to disproportionately impact certain districts, potentially exacerbating existing disparities in educational resources.

It’s crucial to recognize that while the proposed changes may appear harmless on the surface, their implications could be far-reaching and detrimental.

As districts work to prepare their 2024-25 budgets, this sudden loss of funds creates a significant concern. Instead of focusing on students’ educational needs and planning for their future success, districts are now forced to focus on financial survival. This is an unnecessary burden, hindering their ability to provide quality education.

Furthermore, the foundation aid formula itself is in dire need of reform. It is antiquated, and fails to account for districts’ evolving needs and challenges. The formula has remained largely unchanged since 2008, leaving it ill-equipped to address rising costs, regional cost differences, students’ changing needs, and disparities in funding distribution. It is imperative that we update the formula to accurately reflect the current realities of education in our state.
Specifically, several key areas must be addressed:

1. Determine the actual cost of education. We must determine the true cost of providing each student with the opportunity for future success based on all current conditions and regulations.
2.  Adjust weighting in the formula. We need to adjust the weighting assigned to factors such as poverty, disabilities, English Language learners, enrollment growth, and regional costs to ensure equitable distribution of funds.
3. Review the impact of district wealth factors. The impact of student-based district wealth factors must be reviewed to mitigate disparities in funding allocation.
4. Develop a comprehensive plan for the future. A comprehensive plan for the future of education funding must prioritize equity and adequacy.
5. Improve data collection. Data collection methods for measuring student poverty must be improved, and the regional cost index must be updated to reflect current economic realities.

At the forefront of these reforms must be the restoration of “save harmless.” This provision isn’t merely a line item in a budget; it is a lifeline for our schools and their students. Without it, we risk further widening the gap in educational opportunities and outcomes, perpetuating inequities that have plagued our system for far too long.

I urge Hochul and state legislators to reconsider this decision and restore “save harmless” for the betterment of our children’s futures. They deserve nothing less than a fair and equitable education system that provides them with the resources and support they need to succeed. It’s time for action, and it’s time to prioritize their education above all else. Let’s ensure that every child has access to the quality education they deserve, regardless of their ZIP code.

Kishore Kuncham is superintendent of Freeport Public Schools.