Executive Director's Message
Happy New Year! The Governor released her budget so let the advocacy work begin. More than 61% of school districts on Long Island are slated to receive only a 1% increase in foundation aid under her proposal. In Suffolk County, 80% of the districts will receive the minimum 1% increase.
We must tell our legislators, the guaranteed minimum increase needs to be higher. The rate of inflation has far outpaced the new revenue we have received from the state and the tax cap limit.
It’s also time to totally revamp the foundation aid formula. More than 50% of the districts statewide are now on save harmless or off formula. They need to start with doing a new cost study similar to the successful schools model they conducted when the foundation aid formula was first created over 20 years ago.
The study back then does not accurately reflect the current realities of what it costs to deliver a sound basic education in our state with new mandates and expectations. The costs associated with mental health needs, safety and security needs are just a couple of examples that are not reflected in the current amount.
The new mandate of Universal Pre-Kindergarten for all 4-year-olds by 2028-2029 can also pose some challenges. While the increased per pupil grant reimbursement is welcomed and appreciated, it’s important to note a few things. This amount and the mandate is a full day UPK program.
The reimbursement does not appear to have flexibility to cover costs for leasing new space or transportation costs which in high needs communities could be the difference between families taking advantage of the program or not.
There was nothing in the Governor’s budget proposal and no new talks about the ever looming zero emissions busing mandate. The first deadline of 2027 for the purchase of any new buses being zero emissions is upon us.
The State did offer some extensions to this deadline, but with the loss of federal subsidies, the continuing questions of grid capacity and/or logistical capacity with the utility companies, and the overall effectiveness of the battery technology, it certainly warrants “pumping the brakes” on this large unfunded mandate.
The other major issue for our region is the expansion of charter schools across Long Island. Charter schools have no accountability to the voting public, and we strongly believe the final say in approvals and reauthorizations of charter schools should rest exclusively with the State Education Department.
These are just a few issues that are paramount this legislative session at the state level.
On the federal level, there are so many changes, legal challenges, and policy shifts to keep up with. Some of the priorities are increasing funding for IDEA.
The law states the federal government is supposed to reimburse up to 40% of the excess cost, and currently they reimburse less than 17%.
The other items are no cuts to any title funding, and no reductions in federal support of school meals programs.
We also have to pay attention to other cuts to state funding like Medicaid, as these cuts will have a ripple effect on all budget priorities.
When we work together and advocacy is aligned, our message is more effective. You can find our legislative priorities brochures linked below, please use them as a guide when advocating with your state and federal officials.
The N-SSBA team will be attending many advocacy events in the weeks ahead including meeting with our congressional members and our state representatives to bring our region’s priorities to focus.
If you have any questions or need assistance with your local advocacy efforts do not hesitate to contact us.
Onward and upward!
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