After lengthy negotiations with Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Public Schools Chancellor, David C. Banks, Brooklyn Council Member Rita Joseph said she was “so honored to announce that I was able to win a significant school funding victory for NYC public school students.”
“This school year, no schools will lose money due to mid-year enrollment losses,” said Joseph, representative for the 40th Council District, in a message to constituents on Monday.
“Typically, funding for a school is reduced in the middle of a school year if the school’s enrollment is lower than projected,” added Haitian-born Joseph, a former public school teacher in Brooklyn. “But because of our agreement, no schools will lose money during the mid-year adjustment cycle.
“This agreement represents an unprecedented victory in the history of NYC public schools, as this compromise has never been done before,” she continued. “As chairwoman of the Council’s Education Committee, it’s my job to fight for NYC students. And, while there’s still so much work to do to improve education in our city, our agreement will take us one step closer to ensuring that every child in the five boroughs receives a world-class education.”
Joseph, whose district encompasses parts of Flatbush and East Flatbush, also told constituents that she was “incredibly proud” that her office was able to facilitate a number of community turkey giveaways before Thanksgiving.
“Thanks to all of our incredible partners that were able to make this possible and keep our neighbors fed before the holiday,” said Joseph, stating that her office will be collaborating with a number of entities in hosting a Thanksgiving Luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 24, from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m.
Participating enterprises are: Kings Theatre, The Academy of Hospitality and Tourism at Erasmus High School, The Academy for College Preparation and Career Exploration, Flatbush Avenue BID, Church Avenue BID, Stop & Shop, and the National Development Council (NDC).
Joseph said additional support will be provided by Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, the NYPD 70th Precinct, CAMBA and MetroPlusHealth.
“As always, my team and I would love to hear from you,” she said. “No constituent issue is too big or too small for us. We can be reached at 718-287-8762 for community concerns, and 212-788-7352 for legislative or budget concerns.
“Our office is also available for walk-ins or appointments at 930 Flatbush Ave., Monday-Thursday,” she Joseph added. “Feel free to reach out to us to share your thoughts on legislation, to inform us about an issue that needs to get fixed in the neighborhood, to help you navigate city agencies, or to invite me to a community event. We hope to hear from you soon.”
Joseph wins ‘significant’ funding for public school students
