District and Community Advocacy

I am writing to you as a concerned parent and community member of the Middle Country Central School District. It has come to my attention that the recent state budget for the 2024-25 school year includes a limited increase in Foundation Aid, which poses a significant threat to the quality of education and resources available to our children. Our District is currently experiencing an increase in enrollment as well as faces increasing costs to meet the diverse needs of our students. This reduction in funding undermines the district's ability to provide essential educational programs, support services, and maintain staffing levels necessary for our children’s success. We are not a wealthy district; we are not even an average wealth district. The median income of our district was $42,475 as of 2020 and the costs of living have only gone up. Our tax levy cap is too low to overcome your remaking of the state foundation aid formula, which gives the illusion of a wealthier Middle Country. The impact of these budget cuts extends beyond the classroom; it affects the future of our community and the well-being of our children. As a parent, I am deeply concerned about the repercussions this will have on their educational journey and opportunities for growth and development. Therefore, I urge you to reconsider the allocation of Foundation Aid in the state budget. Investing in education is investing in the future of our state. Our children deserve equitable access to quality education, regardless of their district. I respectfully request your immediate attention to this matter and action to ensure that the Middle Country Central School District receives fair and adequate funding. Our children’s education and future depend on the decisions made by our state leaders. Thank you for your consideration and for the work you do on behalf of the residents of New York State. I look forward to your response and to seeing positive changes in the support for our schools.