March for Education Equality Stops in Washington Heights on Its Way to Albany

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NY — Schools across New York State are still fighting for money promised a decade ago, when parents successfully sued the state for underfunding schools in low-income districts. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of that landmark court win, the Campaign for Fiscal Equity has organized a 150-mile march from New York City to Albany.

The march passed through Washington Heights on its way to Albany Sunday, with education activists, elected officials and community leaders holding a rally in front of P.S. 132.

A report issued last week by the Alliance for Quality Education determined that the state still owes $3.9 billion in Foundation Aid funding. Foundation Aid funding was created in 2006 when, after a decade-long legal battle, the state court system ruled in favor of the Campaign for Fiscal Equity in a lawsuit filed against the state.

Foundation Aid funding was frozen during the recession of 2008, according to the Campaign for Fiscal Equity.

“Ten years after the Court of Appeals said the state is violating its own constitution, we are still here talking about the state turning its back to its students. Ten years is far too long, our children cannot wait. It’s time for Gov. Cuomo and Senate Majority Leader Flanagan to decide what their legacy will be and whether they will do our students justice and fund opportunity for all students,” said Billy Easton, executive director for the Alliance for Quality Education, in a statement.

The EdWalk from New York City to Albany will continue until Oct. 11, according to the campaign's website. Future stops on the march include Yonkers, Poughkeepsie and eventually Albany. The cities of Buffalo and Rochester held marches in a show of support with those marching to Albany.

Photo: Courtesy of City Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez