44.0°,
Mostly Cloudy New state budget threatens local schools
Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed state budget for 2024-2025 is sending shockwaves through school districts throughout the North Shore of Long Island. Despite the fact that the governor has dedicated more funds to education in this budget than any other in New York’s history, several school districts are set to lose hundreds of thousands of dollars in state funding, while even those that are receiving money claim that it isn’t enough.
Christopher Zublionis, superintendent of the North Shore School District, explained that although his district is set to receive roughly $400,000 more in state funding, in the context of the district’s loss of funds from the LIPA deal, the funds won’t be enough. According to Zublionis, the district stands to lose roughly $2.38 million dollars in direct payments from LIPA this year alone, affecting the North Shore and neighboring school districts.
“We believe N.Y. state must be taken in context with these historic revenue losses that are truly unique to North Shore, Northport, Island Park and Port Jefferson,” he wrote in a text.
Francesco Ianni, superintendent of Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District, said his district is grappling with the implications of a staggering 20% reduction in state aid. The superintended highlighted the disproportionate burden placed on communities where property values skew the perception of wealth. Despite the perception of affluence, districts like Oyster Bay-East Norwich and Locust Valley are constrained by tax caps, leaving them heavily reliant on state aid to maintain educational standards.
“This is not just an Oyster Bay problem,” Ianni explained. “We’re doing everything in our power to make sure that our voices are heard.”
The proposed cuts, totaling over $530,000 for the Oyster Bay-East Norwich School District alone, threaten essential programs and services. Ianni emphasized the need for creative solutions to mitigate the impact on students while navigating the rigidity of budget allocations.
Jack Martins, Republican state senator for the 7th District, which encompasses parts of Locust Valley and Oyster Bay-East Norwich, echoed these concerns, pointing out the flawed logic behind the cuts. The elimination of the “hold harmless” provision and adjustments to inflation calculations undermine the stability of education funding according to the senator.
Martins, who addressed superintendents and parents from several districts at the beginning of February in Long Beach at a news conference, argued for a more equitable distribution of state aid, suggesting a minimum threshold to ensure districts receive at least 20 percent of their budget from the state. He highlighted the discrepancy between the paltry $500 per student reimbursement and the actual cost of education, estimated at $20,000 per student, calling for a reassessment of funding formulas to reflect current realities.
“They’re going to actually force the school districts to either cut programs or raise taxes,” Martins asserted. “Our taxpayers cannot continue to pay more, and it’s irresponsible for the state to put that burden back on us time and time again.”
Lauren Themis, vice president of the Locust Valley Board of Education, underscored the urgency of the situation, noting the abruptness of the proposed changes and the lack of justification provided. Locust Valley, like many districts on Long Island, faces a daunting task of reconciling reduced funding with fixed expenses. With nearly 90 percent of the budget dedicated to contractual obligations, any cuts directly impact vital educational initiatives and support services.
Themis emphasized the need for collective action, urging constituents to voice their concerns to elected officials and mobilize support against the proposed cuts.
“The burden will be placed on the districts this year to come up with ways to cut, and that will affect the student population,” Themis said. “When you have both sides of the aisle as well as the teachers union, you know it’s a big issue.”
In response to these challenges, local stakeholders are rallying to advocate for fair and adequate funding for education. Ianni, along with leaders from other districts, is actively engaging legislators and community members to raise awareness and push for revisions to the budget. Martins, recognizing that there is bipartisan opposition against the proposed cuts, said he will work across the aisle to represent the interests of his constituents and advocate for a more equitable funding framework.
