Ossining Schools State Aid Underfunded by 60 Percent

Ossining is among many local districts petitioning state officials to restore state funding taken away during the Great Recession.

Increases in state aid to education over the past two years -- which were touted by state officials -- have not made up for cuts in state aid due to the Gap Elimination Adjustment and the Foundation Aid freeze, local school advocates say.

Ossining was particularly hard hit.

Superintendent Ray Sanchez said:

For the current 2015-16 school year, Ossining should have received over $21 million in Foundation Aid, yet only received $8.6 million. Out of 700+ school districts in New York State, there are only two other school districts that are underfunded by over 60 percent.

In other words, OUFSD does not receive $6 out of every $10 it is entitled to under the Foundation Aid formula.

Ossining has experienced funding issues when State Aid was taken from school districts in order to fill the state’s budget shortfall. Ossining lost $676,693 since the implementation of the Gap Elimination Adjustment, a measure used to address the 2008 financial crisis...

In January, Governor Andrew Cuomo will present his State of the State Address and the proposed budget for 2016. For this reason it is imperative that we act now. We are asking you to “take action” today. The first step is to access the Westchester Putnam School Boards Association Action Center page by clicking here. This site urges our legislators to fully fund public schools especially Ossining. After the Governor’s proposed budget is presented, we will send you more information regarding the proposed impact of the budget and how you can continue to help. Your action will help us do everything possible to protect our educational system.

To petition Albany for change:

Westchester Putnam School Boards Association voter voice link will be sent to the Governor, State Senator, State Assembly Member, NY State Education Department, Regent, Chancellor and Commissioner of Education.