Bishop State Delegation Demand Fair Share for Li Schools

Press Release

In this photo, Congressman Bishop is joined by (l-r): State Senator Brian Foley, and NYS Assembly Members Fred Thiele, Steve Englebright, Marc Alessi, and Ginny Fields, at William Floyd High School on August 13. http://www.flickr.com/photos/7307564@N03/4898197466/sizes/o/

On Friday, Congressman Tim Bishop joined members of the New York State Legislature and teachers and administrators in the William Floyd School District to insist that $608 million dollars in federal education aid heading to New York is distributed by a formula that guarantees Long Island its fair share, approximately $87 million.

Recently passed legislation will send $10 billion to states to be distributed either through the "state" educational aid formula, or through a federal Title I formula that prioritizes low-income areas. Bishop estimates that should the more equitable "state" formula be applied, the $87 million in aid would create or save approximately 1200 education jobs Island-wide, and $56 million headed to Suffolk County would save or create approximately 750 jobs. Under the Title I formula, Long Island schools would receive an estimated $7 million. In Congressman Bishop's district alone, several school districts would receive no funds under the Title I formula.

"We demand that Long Island be treated fairly," Congressman Bishop said. "I fought to bring these funds back to New York to preserve the quality of our children's education and make sure Long Island teachers are in classrooms, not unemployment lines. By putting teachers back to work, not only will we improve the quality of our children's education, but we will help those families to stay in their homes, pay the bills and improve Long Island's economy."

William Floyd Schools Superintendent Dr. Paul Casciano said Friday that an estimated $2.5 million in federal aid to his district under the "state" formula will allow him to re-hire half of the nearly 60 teachers laid off due to state aid cuts.

At the event, held in the Library at William Floyd High School, New York State Assembly Members Marc Alessi, Steve Englebright, Ginny Fields, and Fred Thiele, as well as State Senator Brian Foley, all committed to pushing for the "state" formula when the Legislature reconvenes.

"I want to thank Congressman Bishop for his tireless effort, he has been working for months to secure more money for Long Island's school. This money from the federal government is like a Christmas present. This is the first time I will go up to Albany and fight for the existing aid formula, but compared to the Title I allocation, it's a no brainer. If all the members of the Long Island delegation stick together, we cannot fail," said Assemblyman Fred Thiele.

"We need to make sure all our officials in the Long Island delegation, regardless of party remember the words, "one island, one voice.' We need to fight hard because this funding is desperately needed to preserve education and jobs in our communities," said Assemblyman Marc Alessi.

"We are grateful to Congressman Bishop for all his efforts and strong leadership to bring home education funds. Now we have to take these funds and invest them wisely and fairly," said Assemblyman Steve Englebright.

"We talk about the three Rs, well these are the two Es: Education and Economy. Teachers who were going to lose their jobs will not only continue to educate, they will continue to be homeowners and consumers. I'm going to Albany with a simple message, "Title I can't be done,'" said Assemblywoman Ginny Fields.

"Traditionally, Long Island has seen its share of school aid diminish, which has caused our property tax burden in Suffolk County to increase over 550%," said Senator Brian X. Foley. "This additional money that Congressman Bishop has been able to secure for New York's schools should not follow suit; we must ensure that it is distributed using the state aid formula, which will bring more of it here to Long Island schools. I will fight to ensure that the State Senate will vote for the traditional school aid formula to be used and I urge my assembly colleagues to do the same. I commend Congressman Bishop for his leadership on this issue and look forward to returning to Albany to make sure our families receive the support they need."

"This is all about restoring programs and services for kids. William Floyd residents did their part by approving the budget, our teachers did their part by modifying their contract to save $2 million, Congressman Bishop did his part to bring desperately needed education funds back to New York, and I am confident our state delegation will do its part and help districts that had the biggest cuts. We anticipate in our most conservative estimate, we can bring back at least half of the 58 teaching positions that were lost," said Dr. Paul Casciano, Superintendent of William Floyd School District.

"On behalf of Suffolk County's Superintendents, I want to thank Congressman Bishop. This is the second time Congressman Bishop has stood up for us and delivered. This couldn't be coming at a more critical time. This past year, just 21% of education costs on Long Island were covered by State Aid, compared to 37% statewide, which places an enormous burden on local property taxes. Our delegation coming together under Congressman Bishop's leadership to focus on distribution of aid is critical," said Eastern Suffolk BOCES Chief Operating Officer Gary Bixhorn.

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