Richards Allocates $33.04M for Queens Schools

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. directed $33.04 million in capital funding to public schools in the borough for fiscal year 2027.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Administration

Bold vector editorial illustration of stacked brass pipe fittings beside an open trench with a brick school facade in the distance, in coral, teal, and mustard. — Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. directed $33.04 million in capital funding to public schools across the borough, announced at PS 37 in St. Albans on November 2. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. allocated approximately $33.04 million in capital funding to Queens public schools, announced at a November 2 press conference at PS 37 in St. Albans. The funding supports renovations including auditoriums, gymnasiums, hydroponics labs and playgrounds.

Why it matters

Richards said the funding is meant to help schools improve facilities and give students resources that support learning regardless of neighborhood or socioeconomic background. School funding accounts for roughly one-third of the more than $519 million he has allocated across borough schools, libraries, parks, hospitals and cultural organizations during his tenure.

The fiscal year 2027 allocation of about $33.04 million is smaller than last year's record $43.7 million for Queens schools. PS 37 is receiving $2.95 million for auditorium and gymnasium improvements, and the broader allocation remains unallocated beyond that figure in the available reporting.

The players

Donovan Richards Jr.

Donovan Richards Jr. is the Queens Borough President who has directed more than $155 million in capital funding to Queens public schools since taking office.

Kamar Samuels

Kamar Samuels is the chancellor of New York City Public Schools, overseeing the nation's largest public school system.

The details

Richards announced the funding during a November 2 press conference at PS 37, the Cynthia Jenkins School at 179-37 137 Ave., attended by Principal Lakisha Jacobs and city Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels. The capital dollars target renovations to auditoriums, gymnasiums, hydroponics labs and playgrounds at schools across the borough.

Fiscal year 2026: Queens schools received a record $43.7 million in allocations.
Six years before 2026: Richards took office as Queens Borough President.
November 2, 2026: Richards announced the $33.04 million school funding at PS 37.
Fiscal year 2027: The $33.04 million capital funding period begins.

Season Trajectory

This allocation follows a record $43.7 million year for Queens schools, so the fiscal 2027 figure represents a step back from that peak. Richards' total of more than $155 million in school capital funding since taking office places this year's allocation within a multi-year pattern of borough-level investment.

Families with children at Queens public schools may see renovated auditoriums, gymnasiums, hydroponics labs and playgrounds as projects are completed. Students at PS 37 and other funded schools will be the first to use the upgraded facilities.

The takeaway

Capital funding decisions at the borough level shape the physical learning environment students experience every day. Tracking how allocations change year to year helps parents and residents understand whether school investment is rising or falling in their neighborhood.