The Auburn Enlarged City School District is projected to receive a marginal increase in foundation aid according to Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2024-25 budget proposal. Tessa Crawford, the district’s business executive, revealed in a recent board meeting that the increase would be just $20,500, a mere 0.046%. This contrasts with the substantial 22.2% jump in foundation aid the district experienced in the previous year. The proposed increase falls short of expectations and contrasts with larger boosts in recent years, highlighting the challenges of aligning state funding with the evolving needs of local schools.
The foundation aid formula changes are a cause for concern for the Auburn school district. Auburn’s student population decrease is similar to that of neighboring Weedsport, yet Weedsport is set for a 7% increase. This disparity raises questions about the criteria used in determining foundation aid allocations.
Apart from foundation aid, Auburn is anticipating an overall state aid increase of 3.6%, amounting to $1,991,887. This includes significant funding for BOCES, enhancing the district’s capabilities. However, the district remains cautious, not relying solely on potential additional funding in the final state budget. Auburn’s situation reflects a broader challenge faced by many New York school districts in balancing educational needs with fluctuating state support.
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