The Committees on Finance and Children & Youth convened on May 26, 2025, to discuss the Fiscal Year 2026 Executive Budget, focusing on the critical needs of young people in New York City. The meeting highlighted the importance of early intervention in education and the necessity for comprehensive support systems to address chronic absenteeism among students.

The discussion began with a strong emphasis on the need for outreach to students who are frequently absent from school. One committee member expressed concern that many young people are lost to the system by middle school, stressing that the New York City public schools must play a pivotal role in addressing this issue. The member called for attendance teachers to collaborate with all entities within schools to identify the reasons behind chronic absenteeism and to provide necessary resources to support these students.

In response, a commissioner acknowledged the importance of partnerships, particularly with initiatives like Project Pivot and the Youth Enrichment Services (YES) program, which targets schools with high incident rates. The commissioner emphasized the need for a proactive approach, stating that simply moving students along without a plan is insufficient. Instead, there should be a structured support system that includes after-school programs and summer job opportunities.

The conversation also touched on the collaboration between various departments, including the Department of Education and the Office of Special Education, to ensure that specialized populations, such as students in temporary housing and foster youth, receive adequate support. The deputy commissioner noted that regular meetings with educational leaders are in place to enhance service delivery to these vulnerable groups.

Additionally, the committee discussed the establishment of an office dedicated to foster care, which aims to ensure that the needs of foster youth are recognized and addressed within the educational system. The importance of integrating services for these students was highlighted, with a commitment to work closely with the Administration for Children's Services (ACS) to improve outcomes for foster youth.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure that young people in New York City receive the resources and support they need to thrive. The committee members expressed their commitment to addressing these challenges and improving the educational landscape for all students.