A sizable chunk of the proposed $1.1 billion increase in Empire State school aid next year would fund English language instruction for public K–12 students, officials said this week.
In its 2026–2027 budget and legislative priorities outline, New York’s Board of Regents calls for $996.8 million, up from this year’s $713.5 million, to serve more students in New York City and across the state who are still learning English.
The $283.3 million addition would also benefit homeless students as well as a “minimum increase to maintain existing levels of educational services,” according to a Dec. 16 news release.
“This year’s budget priorities reflect the Board’s steadfast commitment to equity and excellence for all students, across every community and of every background, while addressing the most pressing challenges shaping their education today,” Board of Regents Chancellor Lester Young Jr. said in the release….