Governor Kathy Hochul has expressed frustration with the State Education Department's (SED) decision-making process, particularly regarding the elimination of high school graduation requirements. However, critics argue that she is unwilling to engage in a significant political fight to enact substantial changes to the state's education system.
While Hochul has voiced that she "often read about what has been decided [about education] in the newspaper,” she is described as being too committed to "quiet bargaining" with legislative leaders to pursue more radical reforms. Such reforms, according to commentary, would likely necessitate amending the state Constitution and confronting powerful teacher unions, which are seen as influential in Albany's decision-making regarding educational policy.
Commentary suggests that the SED and its governing Board of Regents are actively opposing what is termed "sane education policy," influenced by legislative majorities that appoint them. This dynamic is seen as contributing to the decline of New York's public schools, which were once considered leading institutions.
Hochul's approach is characterized as "go-along-to-get-along with Albany's ways," implying a tendency to maintain the status quo rather than initiate confrontational change. This approach is cited as a reason for advocating for alternative political candidates. The current state of Albany's political and educational landscape is described as steadily damaging New York's future, with the condition of its public schools identified as a primary example.