Seward Announces $273,000 For Area Schools

MILFORD, 10/06/14 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) today announced $273,000 in state grants he secured to assist area schools, including $38,000 to support Milford Central School’s Career Opportunities in Rural Education (CORE) Initiative.

“Our schools are faced with growing financial demands while, at the same time, student needs are also on the rise,” said Senator Seward.  “Districts are often searching for new and innovative ways to help students prepare for the future, and I am pleased to help support these initiatives.”

Milford Central School Superintendent Peter Livshin said, “We would like to thank Senator Seward for securing this vital grant.  The funding will not only benefit Milford Central School but also Laurens, Edmeston, Charlotte Valley, and Schenevus as we work together to create more career opportunities for our students.”

CORE Director Liz Rickard said, “Senator Seward understands the constraints put on rural schools and has been a constant advocate for our students.  While the CORE program is supported by partner school districts, the funding secured by Senator Seward will assist with the development of new services and allow the program to expand to more students in the region, resulting in additional educational opportunities.”

“The CORE Initiative is developed with the input of area employers, ensuring that students learn marketable skills.  This also benefits local companies searching for prospective employees with specific abilities.  Perhaps the best part is that students leave the program ready to embark on careers here at home,” Seward added.

Senator Seward also announced $25,000 general assistance grants for Charlotte Valley Central School, Cooperstown Central School, Franklin Central School, Laurens Central School, Margaretville Central School, Morris Central School, Owen D. Young Central School, South Kortright Central School, and Stamford Central School.  Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School received a $10,000 grant to help fund the school’s artist in residence program.

“I have fought consistently for fair distribution of state education aid to help guarantee that every New York State student has the tools they need to succeed in the classroom and in life after graduation.  Sometimes funding gaps still exist, and when that occurs, I have worked to bring in additional dollars to level the playing field,” Seward concluded.  

The CORE program is an innovative model program designed to assist local schools and provide rural students with additional academic opportunities to help them compete with their metropolitan counterparts.  Between CORE’s shadowing program and Business Partnership Network, students are becoming more aware of local job opportunities and more prepared to make decisions about college and career.

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Photo attached, from left - Senator Seward, Edmeston Central School Superintendent Brian Hunt, CORE Director Liz Rickard, Milford Central School Superintendent Peter Livshin.