Senator Bill Weber Continues Effort to Fix Archaic Foundation Aid Formula Together With Congressman Lawler

New York State Senator Bill Weber participated in a Zoom conference meeting arranged by Congressman Mike Lawler to discuss ongoing efforts to fix the Foundation Aid Formula glitches. 

The September 27th meeting included elected officials from Rockland, Westchester, and Putnam and followed on the heels of a bipartisan discussion and testimony session arranged by Senator Weber on July 29th as reported by Rockland Daily here. The Senator arranged the July meeting after the New York State Legislature excluded Rockland County from five scheduled public hearings to gather input from communities statewide. 

Much of the focus at both meetings was on the significant shortfall in foundation aid that Rockland schools have experienced, collectively amounting to tens of millions annually. The September meeting and the July testimony session demonstrate the Senator's commitment to being a leading advocate for updating the Foundation Funding Formula. 

"The cost index to poverty ratio and its effects on Rockland County are major factors in the County," Senator Weber shared. "The East Ramapo Central School District, in particular, is majorly affected by the archaic Fondation Aid Formula and is suffering the consequences under one of the highest levels of school taxes. We need to make sure that we advocate for all the districts in this county by fixing the Foundation Aid Formula sooner rather than later."

Also discussed was the growing concern and the escalating cost of keeping students and staff safe in schools, including discussions on assisting school districts with funding for security personnel.

Attendees agreed that while parts of the out-of-date formula are affecting different districts very differently, one challenge all school districts face is the overwhelming financial burden resulting from the large increase of English language learners. 

"This is a 'let's figure out how to address the fact that you have numerous districts where this is an issue'…” Congressman Mike Lawler said. “When you look at the two thousand students we have taken in over the last two years as part of the migrant crisis who primarily need English Language services, the cost is astronomical. And I know there are other districts that have dealt with this as well…but this is something that I don't think is really factored in [to the Foundation Aid Formula]." 

Another element that further complicates the funding issue is the escalating busing needs, which have snowballed over the years. The harsh reality discussed was that some school districts will have to accept they can no longer cover transportation on their own with the current funding formula in place.

"This is a critical issue for our school districts and taxpayers," stated Senator Weber. "It's something many of us have been working on and focused on for years. These meetings to finally address the inequities in the Foundation Aid Formula to meet our present-day needs are a welcome opportunity. My colleagues and I are committed to finding the right solutions."