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Sen. Ritchie discusses proposed state aid formula with area school officials

Posted 2/19/12

State Sen. Patty Ritchie met with North Country school officials recently to discuss Governor Andrew Cuomo’s proposals for school aid in his new state budget, and how the state’s school funding …

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Sen. Ritchie discusses proposed state aid formula with area school officials

Posted

State Sen. Patty Ritchie met with North Country school officials recently to discuss Governor Andrew Cuomo’s proposals for school aid in his new state budget, and how the state’s school funding formulas shortchange St. Lawrence County’s rural school districts.

Even though the governor’s proposed budget includes a four percent increase in aid, the funds are not distributed evenly among all districts, Sen. Ritchie says.

Under the governor’s plan, 10 St. Lawrence County school districts within Ritchie’s 48th Senate District would receive an additional $2.5 million in state aid, exclusive of state aid for buildings and construction projects, for a total of $102.5 million in state funding.

"I’ve been meeting with local school officials, teachers and parents to listen to their concerns about the funding formulas,” Ritchie said. “I’ve heard their concerns, and I’m working with my colleagues across the state to make sure our schools are treated fairly.”

Ritchie, a Republican from Heuvelton, represents constituents in Oswego, Jefferson and western St. Lawrence counties.