Currently, total state education aid remains below the level provided to NYS school districts in 2008-09, while at the same time expectations for educational outcomes and accountability have increased dramatically with the adoption of the Common Core Learning Standards and the implementation of the Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR). To say that New York schools are being asked to do more with less is a gross understatement.

School districts across New York State, and especially in the North Country, have been forced to make devastating cuts to educational programs as they adjust to rising costs that are outpacing revenues. Minerva Central School is no exception. Over the past four years,the State has withheld nearly $850,000 in school aid from the district.  The Governor’s proposed budget for this year will bring the total close to $1 million.

Our students, school, and community are suffering.  We call on you to act now!  Restore $1.6 billion in educational funding for the 2014-2015 school year by immediately eliminating all remaining Gap Elimination Adjustments.

We cannot be continually asked to do more with less. Our school and community have already done their part... now it's time for Albany to do theirs!