Reforming NYC’s Department of Education (DOE) Spending​

NYC’s Department of Education has a $40 billion budget for 2025, spending $32,284 per student, yet schools continue to decline. Teachers are forced to pay for supplies out of pocket, while bureaucrats waste money on bloated administration and failed programs.

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As Mayor, Curtis Sliwa will:​

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Invest in Classrooms, Not Bureaucrats

• End wasteful spending – Stop mismanaging taxpayer money while schools crumble.

• Audit the DOE to eliminate inefficiencies and redirect funds directly to enhancing student curriculums.

• Expand vocational training – Give students alternative paths to success beyond college.

• Support working families – Reduce financial barriers that prevent kids from staying in school.

• NYC's students deserve better. Curtis Sliwa will put education dollars back where they belong—into classrooms, not bureaucracy.

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Fixing NYC Schools: Protecting Opportunity & Investing in Our Kids​

Our kids are being failed by New York City's crumbling public school system. Despite a $40 billion education budget, classrooms are underfunded, teachers are underpaid, and students are being left behind. It’s time for real change.

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• Protect the SHSAT: Keep merit-based admissions for specialized high schools to ensure hardworking students have a pathway to success.

• Expand Gifted & Talented Programs: Every borough should have more G&T programs so students from all backgrounds can excel.

• More Investment in Classrooms: Put education dollars where they belong—in the schools, not in bureaucracy. More funding for supplies, technology, and classroom resources.

• Higher Pay for Teachers: Teachers shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket for supplies. Increase teacher salaries and attract top talent to our schools.

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New York City students deserve better. Let’s fix our schools and build a brighter future for every child—no matter their zip code.​​

 

Addressing Truancy by Motivating Students

Thousands of NYC students are skipping school due to lack of interest, unstable home lives, depression, and mental illness. Instead of ignoring these kids, we need to provide meaningful education options that give them real-world skills.

Career-Oriented Curriculum for Students in Need: 

• Home Health Aide (HHA), EMT, EMS, and Lifeguard Certification – Training for stable, in-demand jobs.

• Mechanical Skills, Coding, and Technical Training – Preparing students for trade jobs and tech careers.

• Carpentry, Landscaping, and Agricultural Education – Hands-on training for practical career paths.

• Audio/Visual (AV) Production, Video Production, and Content Creation – Teaching students 21st-century skills.

 

Reviving Arts, Sports & Environmental Programs to Keep Kids in School

Arts and sports programs have been gutted from public schools, leaving students without creative outlets. We need to restore these programs to keep kids engaged and reduce dropout rates.

• Reviving Back the Arts:

• Band, Orchestra & Choral Music

• Theater, Poetry & Writing

• Painting & Sculpting

• Photography & Video Production

• Expanding Athletic & Outdoor Programs:

• Swimming & Lifeguard Training

• Environmental & Oceanography Programs

• Green Space Revitalization & Vegetable Planting​​​