The Jewish Education Project, interfaith partners help NYC private schools recover over $37 million in owed government funding

Religious and independent day schools in New York City will receive an additional $37.7 million in government funding for the upcoming school year as a result of a year’s long effort spearheaded by The Jewish Education Project and a coalition of interfaith organizations. The recouped funding for Title I programs will help teachers and students at religious and independent schools in New York City access new educational resources and promote more opportunities for professional learning.

The Jewish Education Project worked with Avrohom Weinstock and Rabbi David Zwiebel of Agudath Israel of America; Michael Coppotelli, Assistant Superintendent of the Archdiocese of New York; the Brooklyn Queens Diocese; the Lutheran Schools Association; and the Islamic Schools Association on this project. The Jewish Education Project and partner organizations urged the New York City Department of Education for many years to adjust its funding formula for Title I. The agreement allows the schools to have full access to Title I funding to which they are legally entitled.

“I am grateful to be a part of a community of organizations that come together in the interest of all the children in our city. Together we have helped advocate for the rightful return of $37.7 million dollars to assist the neediest students in NYC religious and independent schools,” said Sara Seligson, Managing Director of Day Schools and Yeshivot & School Food Services, and chairperson of the New York State Education Department, Commissioner’s Advisory Council for Religious and Independent Schools.  

Read more in the 5 Towns Jewish Times.