Senator Ryan Announces Major Wins for Schools and Universal Pre-K in Senate One-House Budget Proposal

Christopher J. Ryan

March 23, 2026

State Senator Christopher J. Ryan (SD-50) today announced significant investments in public education and early childhood learning included in the Senate’s one-house budget proposal.
 
“Strong schools are the backbone of strong communities, and this budget makes it clear that we are serious about investing in our students, our teachers, and our future. From historic increases in Foundation Aid to a major expansion of Universal Pre-K, we are taking meaningful steps to ensure every child—regardless of their zip code—has access to a high-quality education. We are delivering real support for high-needs districts, making sure students can get to school safely, expanding access to nutritious meals, and opening doors to higher education. At the same time, we know the work doesn’t stop here and must review the Foundation Aid formula to ensure it truly reflects the needs of today’s students and school districts. These investments represent real progress and will make a difference in classrooms across New York.”
 
“I’m also pleased to see an increase to Capital Outlay funding included, which is similar to my bill S8867, and essential to helping schools cover the cost of needed improvements. Updating the capital outlay threshold is a common-sense step that brings school funding in-line with today’s reality. This gives districts the flexibility they need to tackle multiple projects, improves cash flow and reduces borrowing. At the end of the day, it means schools can make necessary repairs and upgrades faster and more efficiently.”
 
The Senate one-house budget includes the following key wins for schools and students:
  • Foundation Aid Increase: Adds $285.3 million in additional Foundation Aid, bringing the total to $27 billion statewide. Updates the formula to better reflect student need by increasing the English Language Learner weight to 0.60 and adding a 0.12 weight for students experiencing homelessness or in foster care. Also raises the minimum annual increase under hold harmless provisions to 2%.
  • Universal Pre-K Expansion: Includes $1.6 billion to expand Statewide Universal Pre-K—an increase of $561 million (52.5%). Raises the per-pupil minimum to at least $10,000 and sets a path to full-day UPK for all four-year-olds by the 2028–29 school year.
  • Capital Outlay Flexibility: Increases the capital outlay limit to $250,000 and allows districts to use it for multiple projects, giving schools greater flexibility to address infrastructure needs.
  • Building Aid for High-Needs Districts: Adds $36 million to increase building aid reimbursement for Big 5 City School Districts and other high-needs districts.
  • Transportation Support: Allows school districts to receive transportation aid for Universal Pre-K busing and increases transportation aid reimbursement for high-needs districts by $181.9 million.
  • Universal School Meals & Farm-to-School Expansion: Accepts $395 million for Universal School Meals and adds $54 million to expand the 30% farm-to-school reimbursement program to include breakfast and snacks.
  • Higher Education Opportunity Programs: Adds $5 million for Higher Education Opportunity Programs (HEOP), bringing the total to $50 million, and $2.2 million for Science and Technology Entry Programs (STEP), bringing the total to $23 million.
  • High-Impact Tutoring Pilot Program: Establishes a grant program to support high-impact tutoring, prioritizing low-income, underserved, and rural students.
  • Foundation Aid Review Commitment: Continues the Senate’s commitment to reviewing and improving the Foundation Aid formula, including recommendations from the Rockefeller Institute, updates to the Regional Cost Index, and improved weighting for students with disabilities.

Newsroom

Go to Newsroom