Long Beach To Get More Than $850,000 State Aid Increase

Under the recently passed New York budget, school districts across the state are going to be getting more aid. Long Beach is no different, and will see an increase of more than $850,000 from the state.

The more money that comes from the state and other revenue sources, the less school districts have to raise through taxes. Long Beach is going to see a total increase of $859,831, or 3.76 percent over its current funding.

"On behalf of the entire Long Beach Public School District, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Senator Todd Kaminsky and Assemblywoman Melissa Miller for advocating on behalf of our students for additional state aid," said Superintendent David Weiss. "The increase in foundation aid, in particular, is significantly more than we expected based on the governor's budget proposal. This money puts the district on a path towards a sustainable budget that will preserve the academic and extracurricular programs we provide students in the Long Beach Schools in the coming years."

The increase brings the district's total state aid to more than $23.7 million.

"Providing a high-quality education for our children is our top priority, and strengthening the school district is central to ensuring that Long Beach remains a wonderful place to live and raise a family. Indeed, that is one of the main reasons why my family and I live here,” said Senator Todd Kaminsky. “I am proud to have helped secure more funding for Long Beach schools so that our students can have the best learning opportunities available. Importantly, the more money we secure from Albany, the less Long Island taxpayers are called on to shoulder the financial burden.”

"Investing in education will help open more doors of opportunity for our children," said Assemblywoman Melissa Miller. "The increased aid that I helped deliver will help create new opportunities for our kids to succeed and demonstrates my strong commitment to our students, parents and teachers throughout the 20th Assembly district. Specifically, the funding secured for Long Beach Schools is the result of the strong advocacy of Superintendent Weiss, and I look forward to our continuing relationship to ensure teachers and students both have the resources they need to succeed."

Photo: Patch