New York City Department of Education

New York City officials delayed the release of AI guidance for schools after backlash to a March draft policy. The policy, initially set for June release, will now be published this summer due to public concerns and over 6,500 comments. The draft proposed a traffic light framework for AI use but excluded student AI use, sparking criticism from parents and council members worried about learning and mental health impacts.

A former paraprofessional and after-school program director in Brooklyn was indicted for stealing over $111,000 from after-school programs at P.S. 146, with an investigation revealing unauthorized checks and parent payments funneled into her personal account over six years. The probe found $135,121 deposited into her account, with minimal funds used for legitimate program expenses, leading to charges including grand larceny and forgery.

New York City education officials delayed the release of AI guidelines for schools due to backlash over their March draft policy. The delay follows nearly 6,500 public comments and concerns from City Council members about AI's impact on learning and mental health, with final guidance now expected this summer.

Allegations against NYC Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels involve violating contracting rules by bypassing competitive bidding processes. The controversy highlights systemic flaws in the Education Department’s procurement system, which critics describe as slow and bureaucratic. Mayor Zohran Mamdani faces pressure to address the issue while publicly supporting Samuels.

Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels is forming local working groups with parents, teachers, and community organizations to address structural and instructional inequities in New York City schools. The groups aim to develop solutions for systemic issues like segregation and underenrollment, reflecting Samuels' commitment to community-driven policymaking.

New York City's Education Department is proposing to overhaul attendance rules by requiring every school to have a 'school avoidance liaison' starting in September. The liaison will address chronic absenteeism linked to social or emotional issues, such as anxiety or depression, and join weekly attendance committees. The policy aims to provide consistent support for students struggling with school avoidance, following concerns about uneven responses across schools and a class action lawsuit over access to education for students with disabilities.

New York City schools will not face budget cuts for the 2026-27 school year despite declining enrollment, as Chancellor Kamar Samuels extends the 'hold harmless' policy initiated during the pandemic. The policy, which has cost $1.6 billion over six years, aims to maintain stability for schools even as enrollment drops below 800,000 students, with experts divided on its long-term effects.

Approximately 145,000 New York City students, 43% with disabilities, face unreliable school bus service, leading to missed classes and academic setbacks. The city plans to address issues like delayed or absent buses through upgraded software and vendor scorecards by September and June, respectively.

NYC Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels acknowledged the Education Department's failure to address public concerns about AI in schools and pledged stricter restrictions for young students. The department faces backlash over its draft AI guidance, which critics say inadequately protects children from AI risks.

New York City will require elementary schools in four districts to use city-approved math curriculums starting this fall, part of a broader curriculum mandate initiated under former Mayor Eric Adams and continued by Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The $17.3 million initiative aims to standardize instruction materials, though some educators and parents have expressed concerns about a one-size-fits-all approach.

NYC students of color face disparities in sports access due to a policy replacing large high schools with smaller ones, leading to fewer teams. A 2022 lawsuit settlement created the PSAL All-Access Program, allowing students to join nearby school teams if their school lacks a sport. Despite this, 38% of Black and Latino students attend schools with 20 or more teams, compared to 61% of other groups.

A 28-year-old woman posed as a 16-year-old girl to enroll in a NYC high school, but was exposed after a suspicious principal investigated her Facebook profile. The incident raises concerns about security and identity verification in schools. The woman's true identity and motivations are still unclear.

A 28-year-old woman posed as a 16-year-old girl to enroll at a NYC high school and was exposed after a suspicious principal investigated on Facebook. The woman's true identity was revealed, leading to her exposure. This incident raises concerns about security and verification processes in schools.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's education plan, which includes phasing out gifted and talented programs, faces criticism from GOP leader Forte, who argues it prioritizes racial equity over merit, leading to declining academic standards. Forte warns the plan could harm students by lowering test scores and expectations, while also expressing concerns over curriculum changes and teacher union influence.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's education plan, which includes phasing out gifted and talented programs, faces criticism from GOP leader Forte, who warns it will lower academic standards and prioritize race-based equity over merit. Critics argue the policy will harm student outcomes and undermine educational quality.

A New York-based budget and procurement consulting company owner, formerly a NYC Department of Education Business Manager, was sentenced to six months in prison for orchestrating a bid rigging scheme. The conviction involves fraudulent practices in government contracting related to education department procurement processes.