New York’s Education Spending Amid Declining Enrollment
New York allocates the most funding for education compared to any other state in the country, yet it has seen a reduction in schools and a 12% drop in student enrollment over the past 15 years.
A report from the Citizens’ Budget Committee, which monitors budgetary issues, suggests that enrollment in New York could decrease by double digits again by 2031. This trend stems from stagnant population growth and declining birth rates. Currently, New York is losing students faster than all other states, except for California and New Mexico.
This decline presents significant challenges for policymakers, who must grapple with potentially controversial actions like closing or merging schools, cutting staff, or continuing to invest in facilities that are dwindling in student numbers.
The CBC’s analysis highlights that public school enrollment has diminished in various regions over the last decade, reflecting demographic changes and slower growth. The decline has been especially noticeable outside of the New York City metro area, complicating the balance for school districts that are trying to manage staffing and facilities amidst fewer students.
Overall, there has been a drop of 322,808 students statewide, bringing the total public school enrollment to 2.38 million. Interestingly, New York City experienced the smallest decline—7.1%—largely due to increased participation in charter schools.
Specifically, the city’s public schools now house 930,272 students, a decrease of 188,864 from a decade ago, when there were over 1.1 million students. In contrast, the city reports 109,463 additional students enrolled in charter schools, which has contributed to a better retention rate compared to other districts.
Yet, the public school enrollment numbers are still troubling. Reports indicate that over 800 of the roughly 1,800 schools have fewer than 400 students, with 241 schools having fewer than 200. Critics argue that politicians are perpetuating the issue by treating these schools as “harmless” and maintaining their funding despite the significant drop in enrollment.
As outlined by the Success Academy Charter School Network, “failing schools are robbing children of their futures,” stating that low enrollment schools rapidly deplete their budgets without yielding satisfactory results.
Meanwhile, enrollment has sharply decreased in various state regions:
- Southern Tier: 20% decrease
- Mohawk Valley: 19.6% decrease
- Finger Lakes: 17.1% decrease
- Central New York: 17% decrease
- North Region: 15.4% decrease
- Western New York: 13.7% decrease
- Tokyo Metropolitan Area: 13.1% decrease
- Hudson Valley: 13% decline
- Long Island (Nassau, Suffolk): 11.8% decline
Despite the decline in enrollment, New York continues to spend more per student than any other state, though academic performance remains mediocre. In 2024, the expenditure is projected at approximately $32,000 per student, which is notably 81% above the national average. Comparatively, this amount is 17% higher than New Jersey and 21% more than Connecticut. New York also spends 30% more than Massachusetts and 11% more than Vermont, which ranks second in spending.
The CBC analysis found that despite this high spending, New York’s reading proficiency is close to the national average, while its math performance trails behind. States like New Jersey and Massachusetts achieve significantly better results while spending less—17% and 23% lower, respectively.
On assessments, New York ranks 22nd in fourth-grade reading and 24th in eighth-grade reading, while in math, students placed a disappointing 38th in fourth-grade and 27th in eighth-grade. For reference, Massachusetts students excelled in all categories on the NAEP exam.
Governor Kathy Hochul’s office indicates that state law permits school districts to merge with the approval of residents, and resources are available to aid these merged districts with both operational and construction needs.
Nonetheless, Hochul, who is campaigning for a second term this fall, seems to be taking the struggle of the shrinking school system lightly. A spokesperson emphasized the commitment to record investments, stating that all children in New York State deserve quality education leading to lifelong success.
In response to the situation, New York City Schools President Kamal Samuels stressed that the focus would remain on monitoring enrollment trends. Sian Tal, a spokesperson for the Department of Education, stated that strong enrollment enables schools to offer better academic opportunities and support. Addressing national trends in enrollment will be crucial as New York City’s public schools plan their future directions.
