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Upstate senators
urge equity for rural schools
Letter to Governor Cuomo points to inadequate funding formulas
and asks for consideration in Executive Budget
A group of 15 New York State Senators representing most of the
upstate region recently sent a letter to Governor Andrew Cuomo
asking him to recognize the sacrifices made by rural schools and
provide relief in the new Executive Budget for the unique
challenges these schools face.
In the letter dated December 28, 2011, the senators acknowledged
progress made in getting New York “back on the right track,”
including a commitment for a “significant increase” in state
education aid for the coming year, but pointed to the fair
distribution of aid to public schools as a challenge yet to be
met.
“While all schools can and will benefit from this increased
funding, we would like to call your attention to the unique
needs of the low-wealth, rural schools that we represent,” the
senators wrote.
The letter stated that a thinning tax base and low wealth makes
it increasingly difficult for rural districts to meet their
obligation to provide the quality education that students
deserve and taxpayers expect, forcing them to rely on state aid
to meet the basic educational requirements of their students.
Consequently, reductions in aid disproportionately impact these
districts.
“While wealthier districts debate whether to curtail one or a
multitude of foreign language offerings, arts or extracurricular
activities, our schools struggle mightily to meet basic
educational needs.”
The senators explained that existing school funding formulas
fail to adequately account for the true financial condition of
rural schools, and result in an unequal educational experience
for students in upstate regions, a concern the Board of Regents
recently voiced.
Agreeing that economizing and streamlining schools are worthy
goals that require time to implement, the senators asked Gov.
Cuomo for direct action now, including a plan in the upcoming
Executive Budget that recognizes the sacrifices rural schools
have made and the unique challenges they continue to face.
The letter was signed by Patricia Ritchie, 48th District; Thomas
Libous, 52nd District; George Maziarz, 62nd District; Hugh
Farley, 44th District; Stephen Saland, 41st District; James
Seward, 51st District; John Bonacic, 42nd District; Betty
Little, 45th District; Catherine Young, 57th District; Michael
Nozzolio, 54th District; Joseph Griffo, 47th District; Michael
Ranzenhofer, 61st District; Roy McDonald, 43rd District; Thomas
O’Mara, 53rd District; Patrick Gallivan, 59th District. |
