Seward Sends Funding To Margaretville Central School

ONEONTA, 09/30/13 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) today announced that a recently adopted senate resolution includes, at his insistence, $25,000 to assist Margaretville Central School with budgetary needs. 

“Our schools are faced with growing financial demands while, at the same time, student needs are also on the rise,” said Senator Seward. “I am pleased to partner with Margaretville Central School in ensuring that our students have the tools they need to succeed in the classroom and thrive when they leave.” 

The legislative grant secured by Senator Seward is being used to help fill a funding gap created by inequities in the state education aid formula, and specifically, a shortage in funding provided under the gap elimination adjustment restoration formula. 

“There are times when the reality of a situation simply cannot be plugged into an aid formula, that is the case in Margaretville. This grant will help meet students needs, and helps ease the property tax burden our businesses and homeowners are struggling to shoulder,” Seward added. 

Margaretville Central School Superintendent Tony Albanese said, “Our teachers and faculty work extremely hard to educate every student that walks through our doors. Senator Seward recognizes the challenges we face as a small school district and is working with us to provide exemplary educational opportunities for our students to be college and career ready.” 

“I have consistently fought to ensure local schools receive their fair share of state aid. Recently the discussion has focused on the gap elimination adjustment (GEA) which has hurt Margaretville and schools in similar communities. This year’s state budget included a substantial reduction in the GEA, a major victory. Next year I will continue the battle, and expect even better results,” Seward concluded.

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