Local politicians and Educations officials says Syracuse City Schools are overdue $63 million in State Education Aid. It dates back to 2007 when the Campaign for Fiscal Equity lawsuit was won. Two years later, however, the Alliance for Quality Education says cuts were made that haven’t been restored. Now officials—such as the organization’s Executive Director Billy Easton—say a $2.4 billion increase in aid to school districts state-wide is necessary.
“That would make a tremendous difference in the educational outcomes in Syracuse," Easton said. "This is not just about whether the school district is solvent. This is about whether students in the city of Syracuse have every opportunity to succeed so they can compete as adults so our entire state and our entire society can benefit.”
Current State funding to the Syracuse City School District is an estimated $11,300 less per pupil when compared to the top 100 wealthiest districts in the State.
City Schools Superintendent Sharon Contreras says that directly impacts education and the 18 schools her district the State classifies as persistently struggling.
“I believe that there is a direct correlation between the amount of funding available to provide interventions for students who are impoverished; for students who are coming to this country, not just as immigrants, but as refugees who have never been educated," Contreras said. "And the reduction of staff and programming.”
Case in point, she says there is a big difference in programming her district can offer its students.
“So whereas other students in surrounding districts have the opportunity to experience beautiful things and very enriched arts programs, and other kinds of programs that we think make up a well-rounded education and well-rounded human beings," Contreras said. "We’re unable to offer those programs for our students. In fact, we struggle to even offer the basic interventions that these students need to catch up to their peers."
The delegation of local officials want State lawmakers to push for the State Assembly’s plan to boost education aid by $2.4 billion. Member Bill Magnarelli is on board for high needs districts such as Syracuse.