State aid is complex.
That said, there are a few important issues that must be fixed ASAP to make it more equitable:
ISSUE: To decide funding, poverty levels are determined using outdated information from the 2000 Census.
FIX: Use the most recent data (obviously).
ISSUE: The state thinks our cost of living in Westchester is equal to other parts of the Hudson Valley (Ulster, Dutchess, etc.).
FIX: Change the Regional Cost Index (RCI) to reflect Westchester's true costs.
ISSUE: Added costs incurred to properly educate English Language Learners (ELLs) are insufficiently funded by NY State.
FIX: Increase funding for school districts that have a significant percentage of ELLs.
FIX: Use the most recent data (obviously).
ISSUE: The state thinks our cost of living in Westchester is equal to other parts of the Hudson Valley (Ulster, Dutchess, etc.).
FIX: Change the Regional Cost Index (RCI) to reflect Westchester's true costs.
ISSUE: Added costs incurred to properly educate English Language Learners (ELLs) are insufficiently funded by NY State.
FIX: Increase funding for school districts that have a significant percentage of ELLs.