As New York’s budget deal nears, Gov. Kathy Hochul on Friday would not rule out changes to nonpublic school education standards, according to reporting. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and others have pushed to ease 2022 regulations amid political maneuvering, especially with the New York City mayoral race looming.
Senate leaders remain opposed, and advocacy groups like YAFFED warn the move could jeopardize children’s education. Discussions have shifted toward phasing in standards and adjusting proficiency benchmarks, but critics argue any backroom deal undermines the process just weeks before an official education report is due.
Meanwhile, concerns grow that political interests could delay much-needed reforms for religious and nonpublic schools, risking another generation of undereducated students.
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