Reforming our educational systems is important, re-evaluating the formula for state aid is just as important.
Governor Cuomo made some very valid points in his article last week most of which I tend to agree with; however these are not the only things that need to be addressed. One of our Block Captains gave a presentation to our B&B last Thursday explaining how State aid is distributed to our school districts and what consolidation would mean for Hicksville. Did you know that out of 41 school districts Hicksville has the sixth lowest budget in Nassau County and is ranked as the ninth lowest in property taxes. Most of this is due to our enormous commercial tax base.
Did you know that throughout the United States most school districts are funded eight percent federally, 44 percent locally and 48 percent by the state. Do you know how much the State of New York funds our school district?
Property value does not reflect an ability to pay! It may be useful in providing a regional view but does not provide a fair assessment across the entire state. Higher home values actually make it more difficult to live on Long Island, especially for young families with huge mortgages.
If you would like to learn more about how our school district is funded I recommend that you attend our April 14 meeting, I guarantee you it will be an eye opener.
Henry Goessmann
President
Hicksville Gardens Civic Association
