NYC spends $290M to shield schools from budget cuts amid enrollment declines
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By Michael Elsen-Rooney | June 22, 2026, 10:45pm UTC
Summary
New York City is spending nearly $290 million in the 2025-26 school year to prevent budget cuts at schools that have lost or are projected to lose enrollment, more than double the previous amount spent on the "hold harmless" policy. The policy, which began during the COVID pandemic, provides financial stability to shrinking schools. While the extra funds have been a lifeline for these schools, fiscal watchdogs question whether the city can sustain the growing expense.
Source
bskyNYC spends $290M to shield schools from budget cuts amid enrollment declineschalkbeat.orgKey quotes
· 3 pulledNew York City is spending nearly $290 million next year to prevent budget cuts at schools that have lost or are projected to lose enrollment, according to new Education Department data.
It's more than double what the city spent prior to the beginning of the 2025-26 school year on the policy known as 'hold harmless.'
The extra funds have been a lifeline for shrinking schools. But some fiscal watchdogs say the city can't sustain the expense of holding schools harmless.
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