© 2024
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
An update has been released for the Android version of the WAMC App that addresses performance issues. Please check the Google Play Store to download and update to the latest version.

Citing Proposed Funding Cuts, Schools Plan Shift To Virtual Learning

A screenshot of the Albany City School District reopening plan

Citing an anticipated 20 percent cut to state funding, the Albany City School District is proposing that general education students in grades 7 through 12 shift to fully virtual learning for the upcoming school year. It comes as schools across New York prepare to reopen for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic sent schools online in March.

The District’s plan would see pre-K through grade 5 instruction being carried out in-person or fully virtual depending on a family’s choice for the first grading period. Meanwhile, sixth-graders would also be able to choose virtual or in-person instruction, funneling students into three school buildings. K-12 special education students would attend school in-person. The district says a 20 percent state funding cut could represent $23 million for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. The plan calls for a reduction in staff, though the exact number is unknown.

Citing a projected loss of $6.5 million, the Lansingburgh Central School District in Troy says grades 3 through 12 will participate in full remote learning until the district can return to its original reopening plan. Remote learning for those students would start on September 9. 

Jim is WAMC’s Associate News Director and hosts WAMC's flagship news programs: Midday Magazine, Northeast Report and Northeast Report Late Edition. Email: jlevulis@wamc.org
Related Content