Assemblyman Doug Smith, the Ranking Member of the New York State Assembly Education Committee, responded to the Rockefeller Institute of Government’s recommendations for reforming the state’s Foundation Aid formula, pledging a thorough review to ensure fairness and quality across New York’s diverse school districts.
Smith emphasized the need to balance equity with excellence in education funding. “We will be conducting a thorough review to ensure that any changes to state aid protect local property taxpayers, preserve the ability of highly effective school districts to provide a world-class education, and fully support high-needs and low-wealth districts,” Smith stated.
The Rockefeller Institute’s report, released earlier today, outlined a series of proposals to modernize the formula used to allocate billions in state education funding. While the report aims to address inequities, Smith stressed the importance of avoiding redistribution that could harm successful programs, particularly in suburban communities.
“As we consider reforms, we must avoid redistributing resources in a way that dismantles successful programs, particularly those in suburban communities that have long been models of educational excellence,” Smith said. He added that rural equity remains a priority, noting, “Every child, regardless of where they live, deserves access to the tools they need to succeed.”
Smith also highlighted the importance of supporting urban schools in New York City and upstate cities. He called for focused efforts to improve outcomes and restore New York’s education system to its “gold standard.”
“A strong public education system is the gateway to the middle class,” Smith remarked. “It is our mission to improve struggling schools by fully funding and replicating successful programs—not by defunding beloved programs that work and give our children a reason to go to school every day.”
The Assemblyman concluded by reaffirming his commitment to collaboration with stakeholders to ensure any reforms align with the state’s vision for educational excellence.
As the state evaluates potential changes to Foundation Aid, Smith’s comments set the stage for what is expected to be a pivotal debate in shaping the future of New York’s public education system.
