State Senator Joseph Griffo, R-Rome, released the following statement Tuesday in response to the state Board of Regents recent recommendations for improving the school aid formula:
The recent review and recommendations by the state Board of Regents concerning the school aid formula is a positive and encouraging step toward providing our schools with a fair and adequate share of funding.
From the outset, I have joined some of my colleagues in both houses of the Legislature to discuss the inequity in funding that our schools face, and the need to find a better aid formula.
I have introduced legislation that would improve the funding formula for small city school districts like Utica, while also supporting the Maisto lawsuit in which Utica has joined several other districts across the state to seek the funding necessary to provide a sound education.
I’ve also continuously stressed the urgency to ensure that our low-wealth, high-need school districts are in the best position to provide the resources their students and teachers deserve.
As we prepare for the next legislative session, I am hopeful that we can come together in 2017 to finally establish a school aid formula that is predictable, balanced and fair so that every student in New York State is able to receive the best education their schools can offer.