NYC schools seek more funds despite large budget proposal

New York City's Department of Education has proposed a $41.2 billion budget for the next fiscal year, which is one-third of the city's total budget. However, officials say this amount is insufficient and request "hundreds of millions" more to comply with a new class size law and a proposed cell phone ban. The class size law requires hiring 4,000 additional educators to limit classroom sizes. Despite a significant budget increase, the city faces declining enrollment and low test scores, with only 33% of fourth graders proficient in math. Critics argue that the budget should reflect student performance, suggesting that schools with declining enrollment should not receive the same funding. Some council members are calling for a full audit of the Department of Education to address spending concerns.