Oneida Times

New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-C-Rome, is urging the Rockefeller Institute of Government to hold additional public hearings on updating the state’s Foundation Aid formula. The formula is the primary method New York uses to determine state aid for school districts.

As part of the 2024-25 State Budget, the Rockefeller Institute has been tasked with assessing the formula and recommending changes to better meet the needs of New York’s schools. The institute scheduled five public hearings in various locations around the state to collect feedback from stakeholders including school families, teachers, staff, administrators, school boards, appointed and elected officials, education researchers and experts, and education-focused support and advocacy organizations.

However, the closest hearing to communities in Central New York, the North Country and the Valley is in Laurens near Oneonta in Otsego County. The next closest is in Guilderland in the Capital Region.

In a letter to Robert Megna, president of the Rockefeller Institute, Sen. Griffo suggested that hearings also take place in additional communities in Central New York, the North Country and the Valley.

“There is no question that the Foundation Aid formula is critical to school districts and needs to be examined and revised. It also is essential that all stakeholders in education are able to participate and be involved in the process,” Sen. Griffo said. “However, I am disappointed by the lack of public hearings in Central New York and the North Country. We must ensure that all stakeholders throughout the state can provide input. While I recognize that written feedback will be accepted, it is my belief that additional public hearings will allow for more people to express their opinion on this important issue.”

Written feedback regarding potential changes to the Foundation Aid formula will be accepted through Friday, Sept. 6. Interested members of the public can submit written feedback online.

The full text of Sen. Griffo’s letter to Rockefeller Institute President Megna follows:

Aug. 6, 2024

Robert Megna

President

Rockefeller Institute of Government

411 State St., Albany, NY 12203

Dear President Megna:

I am writing to you regarding the public hearing schedule for the Foundation Aid Study that the Rockefeller Institute of Government was tasked with by Gov. Kathy Hochul in the 2024-25 Fiscal Year budget.

The initial Executive proposal of the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget included cutting the Save Harmless provision and changing CPI calculation used for Foundation Aid formula calculations. These changes would have resulted in massive losses for districts across state lines. While final budget restored Save Harmless provision many schools still faced cuts receiving less aid than expected forcing them cut positions programs upcoming year due budgetary constraints.

Small schools like Morrisville-Eaton faced cuts nearly $500K while Oneida faced $1.6M cuts other districts like Westmoreland Oriskany received no additional funding from 2023-24 at all deserving chance have voices heard.

When Rockefeller Institute took role conducting study announced public hearings held across state hear directly impacted districts potential changes only five hearings scheduled Manhattan Buffalo Farmingdale Laurens Guilderland leaving out some hardest hit regions again left out.

Due this requesting add additional before Sept deadline suggesting City Rome centrally located allowing most impacted share concerns ideas Rome miles Buffalo miles Laurens miles Guilderland perfect location Utica Syracuse Watertown make voices heard.

Thank you consideration wish discuss further reached district office Utica calling 315-793-9072.

Sincerely,

Joseph A. Griffo

New York State Senator

53rd Senate District