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Spitzer's Budget Could Cost School District $250,000
When Gov. Eliot Spitzer announced his $124.3 billion
2008-2009 state budget recently, he said New York would
continue to invest in education. His spending plan actually
increased the basic aid to all schools, including Hamilton, by 2
percent.
However, a change in the formula by which other state aid is
calculated could reduce the amount of money Hamilton
Central Schools gets by about $250,000. While school officials
are far from panicking over the potential funding cut, they are
concerned and say they are confident they can find ways to
make up for any shortfall if it becomes a reality.
Superintendent Diana Bowers said initial figures from the state
showed Hamilton would received $3,000,177 in what the state
calls "foundation" -- or -- basic aid. However, a change in how
Albany calculates districts' "wealth ratios" means Hamilton
would see its BOCES aid cut by $246,000.
"This was a surprise for us," said Bowers. "We were not
expecting the decline in BOCES aid." She added, however, that
such cuts are "always in the back of your mind" when the state
budget is announced.
Bowers said the loss of almost $250,000 is "a worst case
scenario" and something she and others continue to research.
She and others are discussing the issue with school funding
experts and plan to meet with state Sen. Dave Valesky and
Assemblyman Bill Magee later this month.
Hamilton's Board of Education had already started its lengthy
budget discussion when the prospect of losing $246,000 arose.
Bowers said she is confident the board and faculty can find
"unique" ways to deal with the reduced BOCES aid without
hurting students.
She said BOCES aid are those services provided by the
Madison-Oneida BOCES such as vocational training for some
students, some transportation, equipment and some technology
services.
Posted 2008.2.9
2008-2009 state budget recently, he said New York would
continue to invest in education. His spending plan actually
increased the basic aid to all schools, including Hamilton, by 2
percent.
However, a change in the formula by which other state aid is
calculated could reduce the amount of money Hamilton
Central Schools gets by about $250,000. While school officials
are far from panicking over the potential funding cut, they are
concerned and say they are confident they can find ways to
make up for any shortfall if it becomes a reality.
Superintendent Diana Bowers said initial figures from the state
showed Hamilton would received $3,000,177 in what the state
calls "foundation" -- or -- basic aid. However, a change in how
Albany calculates districts' "wealth ratios" means Hamilton
would see its BOCES aid cut by $246,000.
"This was a surprise for us," said Bowers. "We were not
expecting the decline in BOCES aid." She added, however, that
such cuts are "always in the back of your mind" when the state
budget is announced.
Bowers said the loss of almost $250,000 is "a worst case
scenario" and something she and others continue to research.
She and others are discussing the issue with school funding
experts and plan to meet with state Sen. Dave Valesky and
Assemblyman Bill Magee later this month.
Hamilton's Board of Education had already started its lengthy
budget discussion when the prospect of losing $246,000 arose.
Bowers said she is confident the board and faculty can find
"unique" ways to deal with the reduced BOCES aid without
hurting students.
She said BOCES aid are those services provided by the
Madison-Oneida BOCES such as vocational training for some
students, some transportation, equipment and some technology
services.
Posted 2008.2.9
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