NY education boss demands state fork over massive funding increase to replace Regents: ‘We can’t be starved’

New York Education Commissioner Betty Rosa is seeking a major state funding increase to help districts introduce new graduation standards as the state moves away from requiring students to pass Regents exams. The change could bring her into conflict with Governor Kathy Hochul, who has criticised the plan and says the governor should have more influence over education policy.

The 17-member Board of Regents voted in September to make the exams optional while developing alternatives such as projects or portfolios. From 2028, students will not need to pass the exams to graduate, although federal rules require them to sit the tests. Rosa says schools will need teacher training and possibly a coach in every school to assess the new work; she has not specified the amount requested. Last year, the board sought a $1.1 billion funding increase for various projects.