LI schools face critical challenges as opening day arrives

Every year brings formidable challenges for educators, but the upcoming 2025-26 school year seems to portend an especially pivotal time for Long Island students, parents and teachers. Will artificial intelligence usurp learning? How will kids and schools handle the state cellphone ban? Can schools fix the chronic absenteeism plague? Will the federal Department of Education stop funding programs vital to low-wealth districts? And are kids prepared for college or a career the day they graduate?

FUNDING CUTS AHEAD?

Teaching kids costs money — a lot. New York spends more per pupil on K-12 education than any other state, but receives only 7.3% of total education spending from Washington. Nationwide, the federal government provides an average of 13.7% of public school funding.

Since New York doesn’t receive a large percentage of its education money from the federal government, the state is better positioned — but not immune — to cuts than other states.

In 2021-22, Brentwood received 16.1% of its budget from federal funding. Cold Spring Harbor received 1.3% while Merrick received 2.3% and Garden City 2.1%. The large difference between districts means some LI schools — primarily in low-income districts and communities where minorities are predominant — will be hit especially hard by any cuts.  Additionally, cuts to Department of Agriculture food programs and Department of Health and Human Services' early childhood programs will worsen the blow. 

At the same time, construction costs are rising and likely to impact the scope of new projects. Strapped taxpayers are unlikely to approve any budgets that exceed the state tax cap.

CURBING ABSENTEEISM

Learning can’t happen if kids are chronically missing lessons.

New York ranks as one of the worst states for chronic absenteeism — defined as a student missing more than 10% of school days. In a school year of 180 days, missing at least 18 days is equivalent to missing an entire month of class. The national chronic absenteeism rate was 28% in 2022-23, while New York’s was 35%.

The solution isn’t simple or cheap. Schools must offer more relevant courses, encourage the development of dynamic teachers, provide an inviting environment and serve tasty meals. Communication with parents or guardians from educators is crucial to getting kids into the building.

CAREER EDUCATION

Many Long Island districts acknowledge the reality that not every student will attend college, despite the striving by each district to have top test scores. Schools must continue to expand career and technical education while better preparing graduates who do go to college so they don’t need remedial courses. Skilled workers are in demand — on Long Island especially — and career and technical education courses can lead to a lucrative career.

Schools are also adapting to the state’s new multiple pathways to graduation initiative, which gives students the opportunity to earn a diploma specializing in a particular field of study. This will present challenges and chances for kids to get more involved in their learning. As with most issues in education, the success of the pathways to graduation model will hinge on parent involvement.

At the same time, schools must acknowledge that inflated graduation rates don’t do anyone any good in the long term. Floor grades — usually a 50 for incomplete or missing assignments — don’t prepare a student for life after school.

Also, schools must improve literacy and math skills while improving analytical thinking — perhaps the most important skill employers seek. That means teaching critical thinking, logic, philosophy and reasoning in all grades.

Don’t wait for kindergarten to start teaching kids. Every school district should offer prekindergarten spots to every child, without lotteries. This costs money and involves reorganization and planning, but the results will be worth it.

CELLPHONES, AI, SAFETY

Educators must take advantage of the new statewide ban on personal internet-enabled devices in schools to improve learning without screens. Teaching kids the personal skills to interact with their peers and adults, sadly, is now a burden for schools. But it's an important task for educators. 

Artificial intelligence in education poses a profound challenge. Educators can help kids understand that AI is a tool, not a substitute for learning and critical thinking.

Educators must keep kids safe by enhancing mental health support while keeping schools safe. Kids spend more time in school than any other place outside of home. Educators are the first responders responsible for the health and well-being of kids.

SEE YOU IN SEPTEMBER!

Eager and anxious kids are days away from the first day of school on Long Island. All but three districts open the week after Labor Day. As a region, Long Island is one of the most successful areas for public education in America. That hard-earned reputation will be tested again this year while the stress factors multiply. 

Strong anti-education headwinds from myriad influences add to the already daunting task of preparing kids to be members of civil society. It’s challenging but rewarding to teach a kid to be successful, and it is truly a community effort. 

Have a great start Long Island.

MEMBERS OF THE EDITORIAL BOARD are experienced journalists who offer reasoned opinions, based on facts, to encourage informed debate about the issues facing our community.