Assemblyman William Colton (D – Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, and Dyker Heights) says that a $2.1 billion increase in public education funds proposed by Governor Hochul must be directed toward the individual needs of all students.

“The additional funds must be used to develop and implement a unique remedial program for all their underperforming children so they can meet the standards. Also, for the children who are performing well above the standard, the monies must be used to expand Gifted and Talented programs in every school district in order to challenge these students’ highest academic achievements. For special education children these monies must be directed for the resources needed to meet the (IEP) individual education plans for each child,” Colton stated.

“These goals can be accomplished by reduced class size, by providing necessary resources to teachers to meet the individual needs of all their students or by additional funds for community schools in advancing their holistic approach to meeting the needs of their students and their families,” Colton continued.

“If the BOE receives these additional proposed funds, I believe that we can improve the quality of education for all of our students,” Colton added.