Judge continues temporary restraining order over proposed budget cuts to New York City schools
NEW YORK -- Budget cuts to New York City Public Schools remain on hold.
On Thursday, a Manhattan judge continued a temporary restraining order that prevents the city's Department of Education from making hundreds of million dollars in cuts to the schools funding.
CBS2's Astrid Martinez was outside with parents, students and educators who filed the suit and took part in a passionate rally against the cuts.
The message they sent was education is important, and it must be fully funded.
"And we need the money now. We are one month out from the start of school," City Councilman Lincoln Restler said.
Outside the New York County Supreme Court, dozens chanted their dissatisfaction with the city to cut $215 million in funding for public schools in the current fiscal year.
Critics say the cuts come at a time when students need services the most, especially communities of color disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.
"These budget cuts have already wreaked havoc on our schools, and unless they are restored, we'll have very real consequences in the fall," parent Tamara Tucker said.
On Thursday, a judge sided with parents calling for a do-over vote, finding the budget was invalid because of a procedural misstep.
Mayor Eric Adams blames the smaller budget on a drop in student enrollment, which has declined significantly since the pandemic.
At a separate event, he addressed the criticism.
"We have some tough choices. I've said it over and again. We have decreased in population, the funding has changed, and if we don't make smart decisions those schools in higher needs are going to be impacted," Adams said.
City Comptroller Brad Lander said his office's year-end fiscal review shows there are sufficient resources to fully cover school budget cuts with left over stimulus relief money.
"And $4 billion of that money has not been spent yet, so it just makes no sense to decimate the budget of over three-quarters of New York City public schools," Lander said.
Judge Lyle E. Frank asked lawyers for language that would allow councilmembers to revote on the education budget.
A ruling is expected Friday. Lander said the cuts would affect about 1,200 city public schools.