January 21, 2010 - On Tuesday, January 19, Governor David Paterson released his executive budget, which included, amongst other proposed cuts, a $1.1 billion school aid cut. The $1.1 billion in education cuts represent a five percent decrease over the current year.

According to Paterson, “As education funding in New York is a combination of local and State support, the proposed reduction represents two percent of school districts' total general fund expenditures statewide.”

The Governor’s proposal means that North Colonie will see a decrease of nearly $2.4 million in state aid, compared to what it would have received without the cuts. That represents more than a 12% cut in aid. This loss in revenue will mean a reduction in programs, higher fees and/or taxes, greater use of fund balance or some combination of all these.

Paterson also wants to stretch from 7 to 10 years the phase-in period during which foundation aid to districts is supposed to be equalized, or doled out based on the wealth or poverty of the districts. He also plans eliminate funding for teacher training and delay the phase-ins for universal Pre-K funding.