Superintendent says governor’s proposal
is a ‘serious concern’
Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s proposed school aid package could result in decreases in state aid for the Hicksville and East Meadow school districts but more for neighboring districts.
“Any loss is significant. This is a decrease in aid of about 1.6 percent, or more than $200,000, though our net could be more than a half a million dollars,” Hicksville School Superintendent Maureen Bright told the Hicksville Illustrated News.
The district, for its 2012-13 budget, received $11,966,58 in aid, and the governor’s proposal calls for a total aid package of $11,751,899 for the 2013-14 school year.
“It’s a serious concern. It’s a direction that we don’t want to move in. I’m certainly hoping that the legislature will be able to adjust this so districts like Hicksville and other districts like us are not going to get hit,” said Bright.
Hicksville won’t be the only school to receive less, as several neighboring schools are also slated to receive less in the upcoming year.
“I’m very disappointed by how the governor is removing some high tax aid from our schools. The school districts in Nassau County were particularly negatively affected by the governor’s proposal, particularly Farmingdale, East Meadow and Massapequa. The high tax is greatly concerning us right now,” Assemblyman Tom McKevitt said.
Senator Jack Martins avoided classifying schools based on financial assistance.
“The governor’s budget is a proposal and, as we negotiate a final budget for New York State, I will be working with my colleagues toward securing more state aid for Long Island school districts,” Senator Jack Martins said. “In this economy, every school district is a high-needs district when it comes to funding.”
The state legislature must ratify the governor’s budget by April 1.
“This obviously is upsetting but of course we never like to look at the governor’s proposal as the final proposal, so we’re certainly looking forward to a correction from the legislature,” Bright said.
