Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels opened a new early childhood education center in Downtown Brooklyn on Tuesday, April 21.
Photo by Lloyd Mitchell
NYC public schools will not face budget cuts next year, keeping funding secure for various programs and instruction, Mayor Zohran Mamdami’s administration told amNewYork on Sunday.
Even as public school enrollment dropped nearly 10% over the previous six years — a factor that often dictates how much money schools receive — the administration said the schools’ budget will remain steady, or possibly even increase, to support the 2026-2027 academic year.
Total funding for the 2025-2026 school year was $44.6 billion.
The news follows months of headlines about the mayor’s budget for the city, which is now at $124.7 billion and under review in the City Council.
The NYC City Council pressed education officials during a public hearing in March about the budget, but at the time, the administration could not yet confirm if the nation’s largest public school system would face cuts. But on June 7, the mayor confirmed that in order for schools to stay stable, and as teachers and other educators prepare for the next school year, funding has to at least stay as is, meaning schools will be allowed to keep their funding even if enrollment drops. It is a scenario officials call “holding schools harmless.”
“As our public school system enters a new era under Chancellor Kamar Samuels–one rooted in excellence, equity and opportunity for every student–we will be holding schools harmless in funding allocations for the coming school year,” the mayor said. “This investment reflects our belief that students and educators deserve stability as they prepare for the year ahead.”
The mayor added that he was mindful of the taxpayer, too, when making the funding decision.
“We are also committed to responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, and will evaluate all programs and spending to ensure resources deliver results for students and families,” he said.
Samuels said it is possible funding could even increase next year, but did not elaborate on how much additional financial support schools could receive.
“As we continue building a system that supports academically rigorous integrated schools, we are proud to be providing stability by maintaining or increasing school funding this year,” the chancellor explained.
Over the years, teachers have said that cuts have impacted programs, even forcing them to sometimes purchase materials for the classroom using their own money.
According to a Chalkbeat article in March, the “hold harmless” funding is a small share of the more than $16 billion the Department of Education spends on public schools and instruction this school year. The article also states that on dozens of campuses, the money represents more than 10% their initial allocations.
Meanwhile, Mamdani doubled down on the importance of schools to communities in NYC.
“They are community centers for our families, a warm meal every day for every child, a resource for young people struggling, and a respite for our city’s kids, no matter their zip code, immigration status or the language they speak,” the mayor said.