GICSD to receive $1.59 million increase in state aid

Grand Island Dispatch, April 18, 2008

The 2008-09 state budget contains a $1.59 million increase in school aid for the Grand Island Central School District, a 9.3 percent increase from the last fiscal year.

The school district will receive a record total of $17.79 million in state aid, according to Assemblyman Sam Hoyt, D-Buffalo, Grand Island.

“This is great news for Grand Island’s schoolchildren,” Hoyt said. “This increase in school aid will help lessen property tax increases and allow the Grand Island schools to continue reforming and enhancing its programs. This increase represents real progress towards providing our schools with the tools and the funding they need to provide our children with the best quality education possible.”

Hoyt also announced the restoration of state funding for 92 school resource officers (SROs) currently serving in schools throughout New York state, including Grand Island.

“I am pleased to announce that the 2008-09 New York state budget includes much needed funding for these valued members of the education community,” said Hoyt.

When former Gov. Eliot Spitzer announced removing resource officers in his executive budget, many educators became concerned over the potential increase of criminal activity that could occur inside schools. Hoyt commended Grand Island School Superintendent Dr. Robert W. Christmann and the members of the school community statewide for their hard work and effort to convince state leaders to bring back the SROs.

“All of us who are in any way associated with schools, including staff, parents and most importantly the students themselves who were very actively supporting their SRO, are deeply appreciative of Assemblyman Hoyt’s efforts and hard work on our behalf to keep us safe,” Christmann said.

“The Legislature worked hard under extreme circumstances to pass a budget that stabilizes school taxes for the residents of Grand Island,” Hoyt said of the budget. “This will allow our educators to focus on what’s really important for the children of Grand Island and that’s educating our children.”

“As a result of Assemblyman Hoyt’s hard work, we were able to maintain programs in the Grand Island School District while keeping our tax rate increase well below the cost of living,” Christmann said.

The budget also included $1,265,000 in the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation budget for improvements at Beaver Island State Park.

“Beaver Island Park is one of our area’s most beautiful places to enjoy our region’s natural beauty and to relax with family and friends. These funds will help provide critical infrastructure improvements that will help ensure that Island families will be able to enjoy the park for years to come,” Hoyt said.

The funds include $1 million for roadway improvements, $115,000 for rehabilitation of the maintenance center, $100,000 for upgrades to the irrigation system, and $50,000 for the Beaver Island Clubhouse.