Despite economic worries, every New York City school will start the 2008-2009 school year with at least as much funding as last year.

The city’s Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2009 became a source of controversy when Mayor Michael Bloomberg proposed a plan that included cuts of up to 6 percent from some of the city’s top performing schools. That would have included two schools in the Norwood News coverage area, Bronx High School of Science and High School of American Studies at Lehman College.

After negotiations between members of the City Council and the mayor’s office, legislators salvaged a budget that will preserve education and library funding. “The City Council made a promise to restore as much funding to our classrooms as we possibly could,” said Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, adding, “We lived up to that promise, eliminating $129 million in cuts that would have been devastating for teachers and students around the city.”

The new budget included a new $12 million Middle School grant initiative, in which 200 of the city’s highest need middle schools will be able to receive funding to implement one or more of the Department of Education’s recommendations for improvement. 

In addition, $7 million was allocated for funding English Language Learner (ELL) programs in schools with the highest rates of ELL students.

“I am pleased that the Council vigorously opposed cuts to education, and was successful in protecting our classrooms,” said Council Member Oliver Koppell.

Koppell also announced that his office received $4 million in Capital discretionary funds, which he plans to give to various local schools and parks for upgrades and beautification.