Enrollment increases in Big Apple public schools – El Diario NY

Mayor Eric Adams and Department of Education (DOE) Chancellor David C. Banks recently announced the first increase in student enrollment in New York public schools in eight years, according to preliminary data.

For the 2023-2024 school year, the DOE has seen an enrollment increase of approximately 1% (or approximately 8,000 students), bringing the total number of students registered with the DOE to approximately 915,000 and maintaining the status of the New York City as the largest school district in the country.

“When we say New York City has progressed, we’re not just talking about our economy, we’re talking about our communities and our entire city. And after eight years of declining enrollment, New York City public schools are back,” said Mayor Adams.

“Chancellor Banks and our administration are focused on providing the best possible education to our young New Yorkers by eliminating bureaucracy, expanding outreach, and making enrollment easier. “New Yorkers are voting with their feet and we are excited to see an increase in funding for many of our public schools,” Adams added.

After eight years of declining student enrollment, this positive trend is a testament to the effective strategies implemented by the Adams administration, including through the Project Open Arms initiative.

According to the DOE’s standard timeline, finalized, audited enrollment data will be available in the spring as part of the demographic overview. As this data (updated as of October 31, 2023) is preliminary and unaudited, students can still log in or out of the system, and the data may fluctuate until the audit process is complete.

They need more funds

“After eight years of enrollment declines, we are pleased to see an increase citywide,” said Chancellor Banks. “With most schools getting additional funding during this mid-year adjustment, we are well positioned to meet the challenges ahead. However, to continue our progress and ensure the success of our students, particularly those in temporary housing, we urgently need increased state and federal funding.”

Officials said the increase in enrollment is particularly significant as the Adams administration moves through the post-pandemic era without the benefit of federal stimulus funds. This year, approximately 57% of schools are expected to receive a total of $183 million (an average of $209,000 per school) in additional Student Fair Funding due to higher-than-projected enrollment.

“The Adams administration’s commitment to equitable education is further reflected in its Fair Student Funding policy, which ensures that educational establishments with the highest enrollment and serving students with additional needs receive the resources necessary to support their students. “, added the municipal authorities in a statement.

Also, the DOE released its annual class size report, which shows that the city is in compliance with new state mandates this school year. However, to maintain compliance as state law mandates smaller class sizes in the coming years, additional resources will be needed, particularly to equitably support schools across the city.