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St. Lawrence County school districts stand to gain $11.3 million increase in state aid

Posted 3/31/15

St. Lawrence County school districts will be eligible for an $11.3 million increase in state aid for 2015-16, now that state lawmakers have agreed to a spending plan, but most districts will still …

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St. Lawrence County school districts stand to gain $11.3 million increase in state aid

Posted

St. Lawrence County school districts will be eligible for an $11.3 million increase in state aid for 2015-16, now that state lawmakers have agreed to a spending plan, but most districts will still struggle to close budget gaps.

About $7.2 million of the state aid increase comes in the form of operational aid, while the other $4.1 million is allocated for building improvements. Operational aid, like it sounds, is aid that can be allocated to maintain programs and pay for services, such as BOCES.

About $3.7 million of the operational aid increase will comes in the form a restoration in the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA).

This year the state has also increased Foundation Aid for St. Lawrence County schools by $1.3 million.

The GEA and Foundation Aid are both considered non-categorical aid. Non-categorical aid can be used to offset cost increases in salaries, pensions, health insurance and programs. Non-categorical aid is the best indicator of how much more state funds districts will receive to run their schools next year.

A complete breakdown for each of the county’s school districts will be posted once it is available.