N.Y. State to Increase Support for Private Schools

Private and religious schools in New York State are likely to get a sizable increase in public support to cover their costs for providing state-mandated services such immunizing students and giving standardized tests, writes The Wall Street Journal.

Reversing years of cuts, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s budget plan would boost private-school support by 13 percent to $117-million. The state Assembly and Senate have proposed larger increases.

The proposals represent a political victory for the New York State Catholic Conference, which has pressed for higher reimbursements and contends that the state owes private schools some $325-million in back payments for teachers’ time in performing the mandated duties.

The church contends officials have chronically underestimated the cost of such services and wants the reimbursements to take into account employee benefits as well as wages. The state Education Department said it stands by its formula.