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 boosted tremendous morale for 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. Lance Hirt, Chairman of the Board at Hebrew Academy of Long Beach (HALB) and Teach NYS Executive Committee Member, reflects on the transformative impact this funding will have on Jewish schools like HALB. “These dollars that Teach NYS helped secure are going to drastically change the way HALB’s board approaches the annual budget,” he explains. “More funding for these programs translates to more resources for our students, not only benefiting them but also their families and the community at large.”
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 wellbeing 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,” says Lance Hirt. “It highlights a commitment to investing in our students and strengthening diverse educational institutions in New York.”
