Three St. Lawrence County schools will share $500,000 in state money, according to Assemblywoman Addie Russell, D-Theresa.

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.”

“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,” Canton Central School Superintendent William Gregory said.

“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.”

Russell’s 116th District includes all St. Lawrence County communities on the St. Lawrence River, plus Canton and Potsdam.