State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa told lawmakers Wednesday that Governor Kathy Hochul lacks a clear long-term vision to overhaul the Foundation Aid formula, which funds schools. Rosa acknowledged some initial progress, such as updating outdated data and refining low-income student metrics, but emphasized the need for a detailed strategy.
New York State United Teachers echoed calls for broader changes, including adjusting regional costs and supports for English language learners. Lawmakers expressed mixed views on Hochul’s proposed school cell phone ban but showed bipartisan support for reducing classroom distractions.
Rosa also defended her recent salary increase to $489,000, citing her dual leadership responsibilities and comparison to other state superintendents’ pay. Lawmakers are also scrutinizing NYSED’s management of the State Museum, which Hochul plans to renovate for $150 million.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].