Overwhelming New York poll condemns city schools' performance and spending

A new poll conducted by the Empire Center of 600 prospective 2026 voters revealed that 95% of New Yorkers believe the public school system must raise math and reading scores and/or lower its expenditures, while only 3% endorse the current operation. Empire Center President Zilvinas Silenas described the reaction as an unprecedented condemnation of the status quo. The survey showed 91% of participants think the Department of Education needs to boost literacy and numeracy, and 35% say the system should tighten its budget.

City school spending has risen to $45 billion for the 2026 year, equating to $53,000 per pupil, the highest in the nation. Enrollment has dropped 12.2% since the pandemic, and only 48% of elementary students are reading proficiently, down from 53% the prior year. Statewide, only 4% approve of public schools, with similar calls for better scores and lower costs.