Seward Announces Local Education Grants

The Herkimer Elementary School Steel Drum Band will have new equipment for their area performances for schools and community organizations, Senator James L. Seward said today.

Seward was at the school to announce a $10,000 senate grant for the purchase of new steel drums for the band. He was joined by Superintendent Carol Zygo and band director James Traglia.

"The funding provides budget relief for the district and an important program for the students of the school district," Seward said. "This is a unique school musical group -- and they’re in demand among community organizations, other schools and venues throughout the region. Given budget constraints locally, the band needed a helping hand."

"Thank you for your continued good work on behalf of the Herkimer Central School District," stated Superintendent Zygo in a letter to Seward.

The special funding from the 2007-2008 state budget is set aside for education needs that might not otherwise be affordable by the district, Seward said.

The money will be used to replace the steel drums utilized by the band, which are aging and in need of replacement.

"Musical programs enrich our students’ experiences at school and benefit the community as a whole," Seward said.

Seward also announced the following education grants from the 2008-2009 budget:

Ilion Central School -- $20,000 to supplement regular state aid for budget relief;

Mohawk Central School -- $20,000 to supplement regular state aid for budget relief;

West Canada Valley School -- $20,000 to supplement regular state aid for budget relief;

Jordanville Public Library -- $10,000 toward the library’s roof replacement;

Mount Markham Central School -- $5,000 toward the ‘science to math’ (SAM) program;

Frank Basloe Library (Herkimer) -- $5,000 toward energy efficient lighting improvements in the library;

Owen D. Young Central -- $20,000 for computer equipment replacement in the school’s computer technology lab;

Dolgeville Central School -- $20,000 to supplement regular state aid for budget relief.