Eight North Country schools will receive funding totaling $1
million thanks to advocacy by Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa.
“Too often schools are not treated as fairly as they should
under our current school aid formula, a problem that has been exasperated by
years of Gap Elimination Adjustment,” Russell said. “In our most recent budget
my colleagues in the Assembly fought to restore money lost through the GEA, and
this latest funding is targeted towards schools that are still in need.”
In Jefferson County, Alexandria Central School will receive
$40,000, Lyme Central School will receive $50,000, Sackets Harbor Central
School will receive $60,000, LaFargeville Central School will receive $100,000,
and Watertown City School will receive $250,000.
Watertown City School Superintendent Terry N. Fralick said,
“Small city school districts have been hit so hard financially in recent years.
$250,000 is vital for us to maintain teaching positions and keep programs –
that is the most important thing this money could go to.”
Echoing his comments, Sackets Harbor Central School
Superintendent Frederick E. Hall said, “I am very pleased with the assistance
from the Assemblywoman. She recognizes the fact that our school district has
the lowest state aid per pupil and also been hit severely by the GEA. The
Assemblywoman has brought much needed funds to mitigate some of the
difficulties the state funding mechanisms present.”
“We’re ecstatic,” Alexandria Central School Superintendent
Kyle Faulkner said. “We’re obviously very grateful to Assemblywoman Russell for
getting that money. She said she was going to fight for us, and she came
through.”
LaFargeville Central School Superintendent Travis Hoover
said, “We’re really thrilled. The money will be used to fill a hole in our
budget. It’s good to know Assemblywoman Russell has our back.”
In St. Lawrence County, Massena Central School will receive
$50,000, Canton Central School will receive $100,000, and Ogdensburg City
School will receive $350,000.
“I appreciate the additional aid from Assemblywomen Russell
to support the Massena Central School District,” Massena Central School
Superintendent Patrick Brady said. “As their new superintendent, one of the
first goals I will be pursuing at Massena is to develop a long range strategic plan
where all stakeholders in the educational community will work together to set
the direction of the district for years to come. This will take some resources which are not
readily available to this high needs district.
Addie’s support of education and raising student achievement has been
consistently strong. I value her
contributions and our partnership in this important project.”
Canton Central School Superintendent William Gregory said,
“We’re certainly grateful. We’ll use the funding to retain critical programing
that we wouldn’t otherwise be able to support. It will be well spent.”
“The
Ogdensburg City School District is very grateful to Assemblywoman Russell for
securing this additional funding,” Ogdensburg City School District
Superintendent Timothy M. Vernsey said. “This will help to ensure that programs
and extra-curricular activities will not be affected and the students of
Ogdensburg will continue to receive the education they most assuredly deserve.
Assemblywoman Russell has been a huge supporter of the district and education
and has continually fought, not only for our school, but for schools across the
region. She truly understands the needs of North Country schools and has
been a determined advocate for children since she entered the Assembly.”
“Ensuring our children receive a top-notch education has
been a priority of my time in office,” Russell said. “This year we largely
removed the GEA and I’m continuing to work to revamp the foundation aid formula
to drive money to our state’s poorest districts. Until there is equity in the
funding, I will advocate on behalf of North Country schools that are hurting
financially and fight to get them the resources they need to properly educate
our children.”