Rick Karlin is reporting at Capitol Confidential the state Board of Regents is finalizing what will likely be a request for $2.4 billion in education funding from the state during for the 2016-17 fiscal year. That request is higher than the $2.2 billion increase that a consortium of education groups including the school boards association and teachers union wants. The Regents are looking at $75 million for career-oriented courses, such as those found in vocational programs; a doubling of the $75 million allocated this year for persistently struggling schools; and, another $400 million for items such as transportation and building costs, which are distinct from regular operating costs which go largely to teaching staffs. The board will finalize its request in December, at the same time Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s staff is finalizing their proposal for release in January. The Senate and Assembly then develop spending plans — all of which go into the annual budget negotiations. Read the full story at Capitol Confidential, a Times Union blog.