Nassau Standard

Following the release of a study by the Rockefeller Institute of Government on Foundation Aid, Assemblyman Ed Ra has highlighted the need for a revised funding formula that better meets the needs of modern schools, especially in high-cost areas like Long Island.

Foundation Aid, established in 2007, is used to distribute state funding to over 700 school districts across New York. The formula was designed to ensure fairness by considering factors such as regional salaries and student poverty rates. However, it has become outdated over time. Long Island districts have received less funding than initially promised, with additional funds mainly covering past shortfalls. The current formula does not consider rising costs or increased demand for mental health and special education services.

Assemblyman Ra stated, “The challenges facing our schools today are far different from when I was in school—advances in technology, evolving job markets and new opportunities all demand a new approach to funding.” He further emphasized that “to view this as merely a matter of ‘balancing budgets’ misses the point entirely. Ensuring our children have the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s world is our most important responsibility. The outdated funding formula is shortchanging our local schools, depriving them of the resources necessary for critical programs that are essential to our students’ futures.”

The Rockefeller Institute's study includes recommendations; however, any changes will ultimately be decided by the governor's office.