Westchester Reporter

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano is urging New York State representatives to provide additional funding to the Yonkers Public Schools, as federal aid from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Programs (ESSER) is running out. Mayor Spano emphasized the importance of this funding, stating, "With the assistance of our federal government in recent years, Yonkers Public Schools was able to recover from lost in-person instruction and address longstanding educational disparities that worsened because of the pandemic."

The Mayor highlighted the impact of the federal funding on school district positions and services during the COVID-19 pandemic, expressing concern over potential cuts without additional support from the state. He stressed the need for continued financial assistance to maintain the progress and personnel in Yonkers schools, stating, "There has to be a way to supplement these dollars without losing valuable personnel and progress within our schools."

Mayor Spano also pointed out the broader implications of funding cuts, warning that Yonkers could be the first of the Big 5 Cities to feel the effects of the loss of ESSER funds, which would ultimately impact urban districts statewide. He urged New York State to prevent this scenario, emphasizing the importance of supporting urban schools to ensure that students do not suffer.

In response to the funding challenges, Mayor Spano announced a delay in the proposed Executive Budget for the City of Yonkers, pending New York State's adoption of its budget. The City of Yonkers, the third largest city in New York State, serves as a vital gateway to the Hudson Valley and boasts a rich history dating back to its origins as a small farm town in 1646.

As negotiations for the State Budget continue, Mayor Spano's call for additional funding for Yonkers Public Schools underscores the critical need to support educational resources and personnel in the face of ongoing financial challenges.