Superintendent Larry Spring met with members of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s staff January 30 to discuss concerns about the inequities of State Aid distribution.While Spring did not leave the meeting with resolution, he was pleased that he is invited to return to discuss the matter further. The Governor’s staff also agreed to look further into the $3.8 million penalty the district was slapped with in response to a technical error in a legal ad regarding transportation years back.
The Schenectady City School District receives 54% of the New York State School Aid that the district should be receiving to provide a “sound basic education.” The district receives the lowest percentage of aid in the capital district area and among the lowest in the state.
As Schenectady is underfunded, districts with far above average wealth are receiving much higher percentages of aid, some 100% or more. The way state aid is distributed is unfair to our students and our city’s taxpayers. The district urges Schenectady citizens to make concerns known and call for change immediately.
Superintendent Larry Spring will present an informational session on Thursday, February 28 at 6:30 p.m. in the Mont Pleasant Middle School Library. The presentation will highlight the inequities in state aid and the impact these inequities have on Schenectady’s students and community.
Immediately following Superintendent Spring’s presentation, the English Language Arts and Library Departments will provide tips and guide interested people through writing an effective advocacy letter. Computers will be available for use.
SCSD staff, students, parents and community members are invited to attend. If you plan to attend you can complete the online RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Gzcl6S04G8pOQORRFZO867JSbqtf43Klcm2-QqRL3aA/viewform
Learn more about the “Inequities in State Aid” here: http://www.schenectady.k12.ny.us/2013-2014Budget/State_Aid_Inequities/index.htm
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