Loss of state school aid due to GEA is focus of Feb. 5 state legislators roundtable at SCS

Dire losses in state school aid due to New York State's Gap Elimination Adjustment, or GEA, was the focus of a Feb. 5 forum organized by Assemblyman Pete Lopez and State Senator James Seward and hosted by Schoharie Central School.

The state has used the GEA to withhold aid previously slated for school districts, including Schoharie, and redirect it to other areas rather than education. Under the Governor's proposed state budget, Schoharie stands to lose $1,673,068 due to the GEA; total loss for all six of the county's school districts would top $6.5 million.

Another challenge facing Schoharie and other smaller districts is the shift of school aid dollars into the form of grants for which the districts must compete against those with greater resources.

Assemblyman Lopez proposed allocating more state Lottery proceeds to education, and Senator Seward proposes directing a greater share of state school aid toward rural schools. The lawmakers also discussed proposals involving pensions, health insurance and teacher evaluation at the meeting, at which participants underscored the need to mainain local control of financial decisions.

Read the Daily Gazette article, "Schools look to have aid restored" (pdf)

Senator Seward (center) discusses issues with Lynn Macan, Superintendent at Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School District, while Michele Weaver, Superintendent at Middleburgh Central School District, looks on at left

 Michele Weaver, Superintendent at Middleburgh Central School District, talks with Assemblyman Pete Lopez

Senator Seward speaks with an event participant as Berne-Knox-Westerlo Central School District Superintendent Paul Dorward looks on

WATCH A SHORT VIDEO ABOUT THE IMPACT OF THE GEA

[2/12/2013; updated 2/20/13]