School Finance Recommendations for 2017

ECBEarlier today, the Educational Conference Board (ECB), of which SAANYS is a member, issued a press release and released a paper containing School Finance Recommendations for the upcoming 2017 legislative session. The contents of this paper, which SAANYS participated in developing, will be carefully considered in the development of testimony which our association will deliver to the state legislature, following the presentation of Governor Cuomo’s recommended Executive Budget.

The paper recommends an overall state aid increase of $2 billion for 2017-18; with $1.5 directed to the continuation of current school services, and $500 million to address other educational priorities.

Earlier this week, on Tuesday and Wednesday (yesterday), a delegation of ECB members, including James Viola, completed eight visits with staff of senate and assembly members, and with the governor’s deputy secretary for education, Jere Hochman, to present and discuss the recommendations contained in the paper, in regard to:

  • School Operating Aid and the Foundation Aid Formula
  • Property Tax Cap Reforms
  • Support for “Struggling” Schools
  • Funding for the Provision of Services to English Language Learners
  • Aidable Caps on BOCES Salaries and Special Services Aides
  • Expanding Prekindergarten Access
  • Teacher Training and Support

We hope that you will find this information helpful. We will continue to keep you updated. All the best. …Jim Viola