PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (WCAX) – Funding for schools across New York could change this year, as Gov. Kathy Hochul is proposing an alteration to the state’s education formula.
During her budget address this week, Hochul, D-New York, pointed to using current enrollment numbers rather than outdated data for school funding. She proposed removing a requirement that does not lower school district’s funding if their enrollment decreases.
Republican state Sen. Dan Stec says the proposal could negatively impact upstate school districts.
“On a small rural school district, if you cut them $500,000 or a million dollars, that is 25% in their state aid,” said Stec, R-Queensbury.
A spokesperson with the Board of Cooperative Educational Services, or BOCES, says communities that have high property values would likely lose the most if the change is approved by lawmakers.