Subject:

Take Action! It is time to make the Foundation Aid formula fairer for every student!

Dear Legislator:

As a constituent who cares deeply about the educational opportunities and resources available to students in our public schools, I am writing in support of changes to the Foundation Aid Formula.

While the changes proposed in the executive budget are a good start, the state should implement additional changes to provide greater opportunities and resources to New York's public school students. Specifically, I would ask that you consider: adding growth aid to address current-year enrollment increases; modifying the weighting for English language learners to reflect the actual costs of providing appropriate services; exploring methods of funding special education to reflect actual time and resources spent supporting these students; examining and possibly updating regional cost index changes; and adding Universal Pre-Kindergarten to the formula to increase its use and availability throughout the state by building capacity in school districts and revising school success measurements.

I urge you to implement these changes to the Foundation Aid formula to ensure the greatest chance for student engagement, enrichment and success.

I respectfully ask that you bring up these issues with your conference and advocate for students, their educators and our communities.

Sincerely,

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