Plugged In To Education

March 14, 2025

Coverage of updates in lower education, higher education & human services.

What’s Inside

  • One-House Budgets Released
  • Attorney General James Sues Trump Administration to Stop Dismantling of Department of Education and Protect Students
  • DASNY Releases Request for Information (RFI) for NY Bricks
  • Legislature Elects Members to the Board of Regents
  • OCFS Releases March DCCS Newsletter
  • Funding Opportunities
  • State Register
  • Coming Up

One-House Budgets Released

On Monday, both the Senate and Assembly released their respective one-house budget bills for the State Fiscal Year (“SFY”) 2025-26. These one-house budget bills are composed of each house’s budget priorities and positions with respect to the Governor’s SFY 2026 Executive Budget proposal. You can see summaries of these proposals here:

Attorney General James Sues Trump Administration to Stop Dismantling of Department of Education and Protect Students

New York Attorney General Letitia James is leading a coalition of 20 other attorneys general in suing the Trump administration to stop the dismantling of the Department of Education (ED). On March 11, the Trump administration announced that ED would be firing approximately 50 percent of its workforce as part of its goal of a “total shutdown” of the Department. Attorney General James and the coalition today filed a lawsuit seeking to stop the targeted destruction of this critical federal agency that ensures tens of millions of students receive a quality education and critical resources.

With this lawsuit, Attorney General James and the coalition are seeking a court order to stop the administration’s policies to dismantle ED by drastically cutting its workforce and programs. Attorney General James and the coalition argue that the administration’s actions to dismantle ED are illegal and unconstitutional. The Department is an executive agency authorized by Congress, with numerous different laws creating its various programs and funding streams. The coalition’s lawsuit asserts that the executive branch does not have the legal authority to unilaterally incapacitate or dismantle it without an act of Congress.

This is the latest action Attorney General James has taken to protect New Yorkers including:

DASNY Releases Request for Information (RFI) for NY Bricks

The Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (“DASNY”), in consultation with New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (“NYS OPRHP”),  released a Request for Information (“RFI”) to determine interest and solicit information from municipalities, local recreation commissions, and not-for-profit organizations authorized to do business in New York State that are interested in participating in the New York Building Recreational Infrastructure for Communities, Kids, and Seniors (NY BRICKS) initiative, a new competitive grant program to promote physical health, mental well-being, and community connections for youth and older adults across the state. NY BRICKS grants can be used can be used to fund the design, construction, and renovation of community centers across the State, along with other related capital expenses, including but not limited to, site infrastructure, land acquisition, and other features that create value for local communities. This RFI is a formal, non-competitive informational inquiry that is being released to obtain market information, desire, and input on services provided in connection with the NY BRICKS program.

Legislature Elects Members to the Board of Regents

Last week the Legislature elected three new members and re-elected five members to the New York State Board of Regents. The Board of Regents is comprised of 17 members elected by the Legislature for five year terms. One member is elected from each of the state’s 13 judicial districts and four members serve at-large.

New members include:

  • Keith B. Wiley (Judicial District 8) is a dedicated educator who has taught math at Houghton Academy in Buffalo for 24 years, including leading his students to multiple Buffalo City School Middle School Math League Championships. In addition, he is currently a member of the New York State Education Department Professional Standards and Practice Board and co-chair of its Higher Education Committee.
  • Felicia M. Thomas-Williams (Judicial District 10) has decades of experience working cross all levels of education. Most recently, she served as Principal of West Middle School from 2013 to her retirement in 2024. Previously, Ms. Thomas-Williams served as principal of Freshman Center and East Middle School, as well as assistant principal of Freshman Center in the Brentwood School District.
  • Brian Krist, Esq. (At-Large) has served as a public member of the New York State Education Department since 2016, including in his current role as chair of the New York State Board for Certified Shorthand Reporting. Mr. Krist is associate court attorney in the Chambers of the Honorable Jeffrey S. Zellan in the New York State Unified Court System, and previously served in the New York City Law Department, the New York City Civilian Complaint Review Board, New York City Administration for Children’s Services and the New York City Department of Investigation.

Re-elected members include:

  • Hasoni Pratts (Judicial District 2)
  • Dr. Roger P. Catania (Judicial District 4)
  • Dr. Frances G. Wills (Judicial District 9)
  • Roger Tilles (At-Large)
  • Dr. Lester W. Young, Jr. (At-Large) 

OCFS Releases March DCCS Newsletter

The Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) Division of Child Care Services (DCCS) released the March Newsletter which includes information and updates on the Governor’s 2025-26 proposed Child Care Initiatives, celebration of Black History Month, LEAPS success stories, and recently released Dear Provider Letters.

Funding Opportunities

The Office of Mental Health announced funds for Children’s Community Residences (CCRs). The funding will target CCR programs for Transition Age Youth with or at Risk of Child Welfare Involvement. Children’s Community Residences are 8 bed short term home-like therapeutic programs. They are for youth with serious emotional disturbance due to a mental health diagnosis. The goal of a CCR is to assist youth in a successful transition to less restrictive settings so they can continue their recovery journey. Due April 3, 2025

The Department of Agriculture and Markets is inviting eligible entities to apply for funds through the FreshConnect CSA for SNAP Grant Program, which will allow SNAP participants to access the Community Supported Agriculture model by partially subsidizing the cost of weekly share purchases. Eligible Applicants Include: • Not-For-Profit Organizations • Indian Tribal Organizations • Public Educational Institutions • Local or Municipal Governments. Due July 22, 2025

State Register

Child Care Assistance– OCFS released proposed regulations this week to implement State and Federal requirements, standardize terminology, clarify regulations, and formalize policy directives. Public comment will be received for 60 days. 

Coming Up

Upcoming Regents Meeting Dates

  • April 7 – 8
  • May 5 – 6
  • June 9 – 10
  • July 14 – 15

 State Board Meetings

  • Speech-Language Pathology: March 21, 2025 (NYSSLHA Conference)
  • Nursing: March 27, 2025 (New York City, Rochester, Albany)

Not-For-Profit Contracting Advisory Committee

  • March 25, 2025
  • May 20, 2025

Plugged In to Education is prepared by Hinman Straub P.C. and is intended to keep our clients informed about news and Legislative and regulatory developments that may affect or otherwise be of interest to them. The comments contained herein do not constitute legal opinion and should not be regarded as a substitute for legal advice. If you prefer not to receive these updates, please alert us so we may remove you from our distribution list. © Hinman Straub P.C. 2025. All rights reserved.