Local school leaders are expressing concern what potential cuts in New York state aid could mean this year. P-J photo by John D’Agostino

Superintendents across Chautauqua County are sending a unified, yet worrisome message, regarding potential New York state aid cuts that could be as high as 20% this year to area schools. Todd Crandall, president of the Far West Council of School Superintendents, is calling on state leaders to make reductions that are both fair and equitable, especially for poorer local districts that rely heavily on state aid to operate.

Crandall noted that in this region, 16 of the 19 districts rely on revenues from New York state sources in excess of 50% of their operating budget. This means an equal percentage cut in state school aid will have the largest impact on districts that are impoverished, forcing districts in our community to make major cuts that won’t be felt in other wealthier parts of the state.

“The governor continues to mention that a 20% reduction in all state aid categories is necessary to close the budget gap in New York created by the COVID-19 crisis,” said Crandall, who also is superintendent of Silver Creek Central Schools. “While we know every district will see a reduction in aid this year, we hope the governor and the division of budget will recognize how devastating equal percentage cuts are to poorer districts. When a school district relies on over 50% of state aid to operate, a 20% reduction is far more impactful than on a district who only relies on 3% of state aid to operate. The program reductions to poorer schools will be devastating and further the gap of inequities in programming.”

On average, the group noted, school districts in Chautauqua County rely on state aid for 59% of their revenues. The average school district in New York state sees 38.49% of revenue come from the state. Counties that contain districts with higher wealth ratios and significant tax bases rely much less on aid. An equal percentage cut of aid to all districts in New York forces poorer districts to make program cuts resulting in wider gaps between the wealthy and the impoverished.

Both Crandall and Chuck Leichner, Cassadaga Valley Central Schools superintendent, say the districts they oversee can weather the one year of reductions, but both are concerned when it comes to future spending plans.

“We need help from the state and from the federal government in order to maintain stability for our community,” Leichner said. “We are going to bat for our taxpayers because we are not go out in the spring with a tax increase in light of everything that is going on because that is irresponsible.”

Leaders are hoping the state Division of Budget would create a formula so all students across the state will receive an equal and fair education, no matter where they live. “The state must take care of all its students, not just ones living in wealthier districts,” Crandall said. “A student in Chautauqua County must have the same opportunities as any student in any county in the state. These proposed cuts would create a wider gap between poorer and wealthier districts. We cannot afford to take programs away from our students just because of where they live in New York.”

In addition, school officials are urging residents throughout the county to have a voice to oppose the possible reductions by calling the offices of state Sen. George Borrello at 664-4603, Assemblyman Andrew Goodell at 664-7773 and U.S. Rep. Tom Reed at 708-6369 and voicing their concerns.

“We don’t just want to alarm people … but our communities are stressed,” Crandall said. “We encourage them to get a hold of the federal government and local politicians to support the federal (stimulus) package. We have to have that.”

The Far West Council of School Superintendents comprises the districts in Chautauqua County and Erie 2 Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES. Each school’s superintendent sits on the Far West Council. The task of the council is to advocate for all students in Chautauqua County and to raise funds to support scholarships. The group meets monthly to discuss issues in education and create an agenda to further advance opportunities for all students.