(Courtesy of Teach NYS) The New York State budget for fiscal year 2025 has allocated unprecedented levels of funding for nonpublic schools, including yeshivas and Jewish day schools across the state. The budget, which recently passed in April, has earmarked an incredible $470 million for nonpublic school funding, a total increase of $90 million, far more than previous years.

What was once deemed improbable has now become reality, instilling confidence in the trajectory of yeshivas and Jewish day schools. The historic achievement has tremendously boosted morale in New York Jews, especially among Jewish day school advocates.

As the community grasps the new budget’s significance, community and lay leaders alike are applauding the effort. Josh Trump, past president of Westchester Day School (WDS) and Teach NYS Executive Committee member, said, “As a former president of WDS with experience in navigating annual budgets, I am certain that the funding Teach NYS helped secure will drastically enhance the quality of the school’s programs without burdening our families.”

This funding addresses the most critical areas of need within nonpublic schools. The majority will be focused on enhancing security, improving STEM education, and enriching art and music programs. The expanded initiatives are anticipated to not only elevate the quality of education but contribute to the overall well-being and resilience of the Jewish day schools they serve.

Such monumental changes in the state budget were made possible through an intense advocacy push such as the recent Teach NYS mission to Albany. The mission, along with other advocacy efforts, highlighted the importance of building relationships with legislators in the state capital. These partnerships were instrumental in driving the passage of the new budget.

This momentum is poised to promote continued growth for nonpublic education. Community members and leaders are grateful for Teach NYS’s advocacy and legislators’ support in helping nonpublic schools feel protected and thrive.

“With all the challenges and uncertainties we are currently facing in the greater Jewish community, this funding comes as a mark of hope and reassurance,” said Trump. “It highlights a commitment to investing in our students and strengthening diverse educational institutions in New York.”