Syracuse, NY: MORE special needs kids in pre-K, K and first grade

April 30, 2026, WSYR: Syracuse school district voices concerns on special education needs, rising costs at Common Council hearing

The Syracuse City School District is raising concerns about special education needs, city funding and accountability for students coming from outside the district during Thursday morning’s budget hearing in the Common Council Chambers in city hall.

The district presented its adopted 2026-27 budget to the council. District leaders said they hope to build a stronger culture of learning with high expectations in the classroom. That includes a push to improve students’ proficiency in reading and math, two areas the district said are high priorities. The district aims to make students feel more supported and included across the schools by working more with students and their families. . . .

After reaching out to the community for input, the Syracuse City School District adopted a $634.1 million budget proposal for the 2026-27 school year, a $14.2 million increase over the previous year.

Michael Puntschenko, the district’s chief financial officer, noted most of the district’s money —about 86% of the budget — comes from state aid, while about 9% comes from the city of Syracuse. He said it’s one of the lowest contributions in the state.

Still, district leaders say rising needs — especially in special education — are driving costs.

“The number of special education students continues to increase,” said Puntschenko. “We have seen more children come into school at the pre-K, kindergarten, and first grade levels needing special education services.” . . .