Schumer takes up case of missing school funding
As he has in years past, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., is bemoaning what he portrays as a lost chunk of federal funding for New York's schools.
Schumer has released a report saying that schools in the Rochester-Finger Lakes region will be missing out on $32.7 million in federal funds promised under the No Child Left Behind Act, a federal law that mandates standardized tests, teacher qualifications, and in some cases school choice.
Schumer vowed to work with education committees to restore lost Title I funds for disadvantaged students, and other education grants.
It's a familiar story. Days after the New York budget was approved by lawmakers last April, Schumer announced that the federal government was "shortchanging" upstate schools by more than $170 million. Back in September 2006, he said the government fell short of $230 million in promised funds to schools. In September 2004, it was $84.9 million lost by Rochester and Finger Lakes schools, and in September 2003 it was $21.8 million.
In a conference call Wednesday afternoon, Schumer said schools have never received full funding promised under No Child Left Behind.
Adding to cuts are increased requirements from Washington that are costing schools even more money.
The latest, said Midlakes Superintendent Mike Ford, mandates that all employees be allowed a paid half-day off of work for prostate screenings or a mammogram. With 170 teachers in the district, times $40 for a half-day substitute to take their place, that's $7,000 in new costs that aren't paid for by the people that mandate them. The state government also requires that schools have automated external defibrillators, pricey handheld devices used during life-threatening heart episodes.
Ford said if the government were required to pay for the mandates they give schools, they would be more selective over what was required.
According to Schumer's numbers, Midlakes is set to get $249,700 in Title I funds next year. It's a $108,600 shortfall from what was originally promised under No Child Left Behind.
One of the federal programs Schumer said will be significantly cut under the proposed budget is Safe and Drug-Free Schools, a grant that Midlakes uses to support the salary of its drug and alcohol counselor. Ford said if the funding is cut, the position may need to be reassessed.
Bloomfield Superintendent Mike Midey said any cuts make him nervous.
"It's not going to close the school down, but these are tight times in budgets," he said. "Any cut in federal aid, any cut in state aid, hurts the school district because unfortunately, I'm not seeing a cut in gas, electric and contractual costs."
According to the district's numbers, Bloomfield received $10,000 less in Title I funds last year than it did in 2005-2006. Schumer's numbers for the proposed 2009 federal budget show that it could be facing an additional loss of $4,600.
It's the smallest shortfall of all Ontario County districts. Marcus Whitman schools, which have an after-school program that's set to lose federal funding, could have $134,700 less than what's promised. Canandaigua has a potential shortfall of $231,500 and Victor $108,000.
"Every school district relies on Title I funding," said Midey. "If I get cut a dollar, I'm concerned."
Contact Stephanie Bergeron at (585) 394-0770, Ext. 255, or sbergeron@mpnewspapers.com.