NYC Seeks $1B More for Schools as Southern States Outperform on Lower Budgets

Proposals to boost NYC education funding come despite evidence that Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana students are achieving better results with far less spending per pupil.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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State lawmakers in New York are proposing to increase the New York City public school budget by nearly $1 billion annually, even as students in some Southern states like Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama have been outperforming New York students on standardized tests while spending significantly less per pupil. Education experts argue that more money does not necessarily translate to better academic outcomes, and that the city's school system lacks proper accountability measures to ensure funds are being used effectively.

Why it matters

The debate over school funding in New York City highlights broader questions about the relationship between education spending and student performance. As policymakers consider increasing education budgets, this story raises concerns that simply throwing more money at the problem may not be the solution, and that accountability and efficient use of resources are equally important factors in improving academic outcomes.

The details

Proposals from State Sen. John Liu and Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon would increase the New York City Department of Education's $35.1 billion annual budget by $819 million. However, students in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama have been outperforming their New York counterparts on standardized tests despite spending far less per pupil. Mississippi spends about $12,500 per student annually, while New York spends over $32,000 per student statewide and over $42,200 per student in New York City. Meanwhile, New York students' scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress have dropped by about 10 points since 2013, while scores in parts of Mississippi have risen by 10 points and Louisiana's 4th-grade reading scores have climbed by 5 points.

  • In 2013, New York students' scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress began declining.
  • Since 2013, test scores in parts of Mississippi have risen by 10 points.
  • Since 2013, Louisiana's 4th-grade reading scores have climbed by 5 points.

The players

John Liu

A New York State Senator who has proposed increasing the New York City Department of Education's budget by nearly $1 billion annually.

Jo Anne Simon

A New York State Assembly Member who has proposed increasing the New York City Department of Education's budget by nearly $1 billion annually.

Danyela Souza

An education expert at the Manhattan Institute who argues that more money does not necessarily lead to better academic outcomes.

Eric Nadelstern

A former deputy schools chancellor in New York City who argues that the city's public school system lacks proper accountability measures.

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What they’re saying

“If it was just about the money, our schools would be number one academically.”

— Danyela Souza, Education expert, Manhattan Institute (The New York Post)

“How can you spend billions of dollars on education if you're not holding educators accountable for the results — the teachers, the principals, the superintendents? We don't have a right to ask for more money until we hold people responsible for children's education accountable for achievement. We don't do that now and haven't for some time.”

— Eric Nadelstern, Former deputy schools chancellor (The New York Post)

What’s next

The New York State legislature will consider the proposals from Sen. Liu and Assemb. Simon to increase funding for the New York City Department of Education as part of the state's budget process.

The takeaway

This story highlights the complex relationship between education spending and student performance. While New York City is seeking to increase its education budget by $1 billion, the evidence suggests that simply spending more money may not be the solution. Policymakers must also focus on improving accountability and ensuring that resources are used effectively to drive better academic outcomes, as demonstrated by the success of some Southern states in outperforming New York on standardized tests despite lower per-pupil spending.