(Courtesy of Teach NYS) After months of deliberation, the New York State budget was recently announced and includes millions of dollars of increased funds for nonpublic schools, including jewish day schools and yeshivas.
Notable funding for nonpublic schools includes $105 million for security, $85.5 million for STEM, $5 million for arts and music and, for the first time ever: universal free meals—providing filling, nutritious breakfast and lunch options for students across the state. This represents unprecedented levels of support for our students and underscores the state’s continued commitment to the nonpublic school community.
“This historic funding addresses some of the most critical areas of need within our Jewish day schools and yeshivas,” said Sydney Altfield, executive director of Teach NYS. “It not only elevates the quality of education our children receive but provides them with the resources needed to support their overall safety and well-being. We thank the legislature and governor for recognizing that all children, no matter where they attend school, deserve high-quality, safe education.”
This sentiment of gratitude is shared by yeshivas and Jewish day schools across the state, with Rabbi Dr. Jeffrey Kobrin, head of school at North Shore Hebrew Academy in Great Neck, recognizing the impact that this funding will have on his school and students, especially now.
“Unfortunately, this funding has become even more important over the last year. With rising costs across the board, and safety concerns continuing to plague our community, this support will go a long way in ensuring our students receive the best, safest education possible—without added financial burden on our families,” said Rabbi Kobrin.
Such monumental support in the state budget was made possible through ongoing, intense advocacy efforts, including the recent Teach NYS Mission, which brought dozens of community advocates to the Capitol to meet directly with legislators and fight for issues facing our schools.
Jessica Katz, mother of four children who attend Westchester Day School, was one of those advocates who joined Teach NYS in Albany in March.
“It was an exciting 24 hours in Albany, meeting with legislators and explaining to them our needs and concerns,” said Katz. “I am proud to see that our time and efforts paid off with this year’s budget allocation. I hope this sends a strong message to Jewish communities everywhere that when you use your voices, you can effect change.”
