$630k Bump in Aid to RCSD Proposed in Executive Budget

It's still a drop from the $18.3 million in state aid the district received in the 2010-2011 school year, but Gov. Andrew Cuomo, in laying out his 2012-2013 budget on Tuesday, proposed over a $630,000 boost in state aid over last year to the Riverhead Central School District.

The number proposed to trickle back down to Riverhead - $17,671,260 - still remains subject to change as the governor and legislature grind out a final budget over the next few months.

But as the school district as a 2 percent tax levy cap stares it back in the face, the 3.7 percent increase in aid could represent critical services and programs to students, parents and teachers alike.

However questions still remain as to how the increase in funding can be particularly used by the district.

"The proposal for increased state aid is certainly welcome," said Riverhead Superintendent Nancy Carney, via e-mail. "The governor’s proposal however shifts certain costs to school districts that are now borne by the state. Once we know the impact of potential additional costs, we will be in a better position to determine how the increase in aid will affect our budget."

School Board President Ann Cotten-DeGrasse expressed uncertainty about what the bump in aid could mean as well. With more mandates coming down - specifically in terms of teacher evaluations - she said, the increase in aid may look deceptive. Cotten-DeGrasse added that local districts will be required to pay for pre-school screening next year, a cost previously borne by the state.

"In my way of thinking, it's almost like a slight of hand," she said. "It's like the governor is putting money in one pocket and taking money out of another."

Cuomo reported that an additional $250 million will be available next year to school districts statewide through a competitive process.

Last year, Cuomo had proposed , though that number was over the prior year.