Long Beach Could See 'Devastating' $4 Million Cut In State Budget

LONG BEACH, NY — Gov. Hochul's proposed state budget would mean a cut in funding to several Long Island school districts, including Long Beach.

Long Beach Schools Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Gallagher said in a statement:

"The loss of $4.3 million in foundation aid in a single year is devastating for our district, particularly since the cut comes without warning or preparation. No district can absorb that level of loss without cuts to programs, which ultimately affects our students."

State budget officials say decreases in educational funding in the 2025 Executive Budget are designed to help districts that are most in need of more money, News 12 reported.

"We will be working hard with our state representatives to urge them to seek a reprieve so that we can maintain our student programs, particularly as we continue to recover from the pandemic," Gallagher said.

Advocacy group the Alliance for Quality Education said: the "less-than-expected funding included in this budget for public schools will translate to fewer resources, programs, and supports for students in classrooms."