State Budget Announced, School Aid Restored

Gov. Andrew Cuomo and state legislators have agreed on a $132.5 billion budget, the lowest figure in 15 years, restoring $272 million to school aid across the state.

As of Monday morning, Sachem's Assistant Superintendent for Business Bruce Singer said the district will be notified today how much money it will receive in state aid for the 2011-12 school year.

When the initial state numbers were released, Sachem was slotted to take a $16 million, or 14 percent, cut in aid.

"We certainly appreciate any funding that comes our way, but in the big picture the true problem has not been addressed," said Sachem Superintendent James Nolan. "Long Island continues to shoulder the greater burden and Sachem has still taken the greatest hit despite our recognized, excellent budget management and planning."

Last week hundreds of Sachem teachers and administrators against educational cuts with a battle cry of having been fiscally responsible, but still suffering massive cuts.

"I have said that New York is at a crossroads – one road leading to further dysfunction and decline, the other towards fiscal responsibility and government efficiency. I believe this budget puts us on the right path," Cuomo said in a statement. "This budget makes tough choices, which is what you sent me to Albany to do. It closes a $10 billion dollar deficit with no new taxes or borrowing, redesigns government to force it to cut waste and inefficiency, and finally delivers real results for hard-working families across New York State."

Among other areas restored in the budget were human services ($91 million), and higher education ($86 million). 

Check Sachem Patch for updates on this story throughout the day.