![Mike Pero]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1725025565/pittsfordschoolsorg/hoz7wcihgpzsr8dnr5kp/PeroMike_4x3.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1725025565/pittsfordschoolsorg/hoz7wcihgpzsr8dnr5kp/PeroMike_4x3.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1725025565/pittsfordschoolsorg/hoz7wcihgpzsr8dnr5kp/PeroMike_4x3.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1725025565/pittsfordschoolsorg/hoz7wcihgpzsr8dnr5kp/PeroMike_4x3.jpg","width":857}])
A Message from Superintendent Pero: Help Advocate for NYS Aid to Maintain Programs
A Message from Superintendent Pero: Help Advocate for NYS Aid to Maintain Programs
Pittsford Central School District needs the community’s help in advocating for its fair share of NYS Foundation Aid. The District’s Advocacy Team has met throughout the fall and is comprised of teachers, clerical staff, parents, administrators and Board of Education members. Its focus has been on advocating for more NYS Foundation Aid, the District’s second highest revenue source. Foundation Aid is the aid all NYS schools receive to fund basic education operations. It accounts for 22% of Pittsford Schools’ total revenue.
Facts about NYS Foundation Aid with Pittsford Central Schools
- Since 2012 PCSD has been underpaid by over $100 million.
- PCSD receives the lowest amount of Foundation Aid per student in Monroe County.
- Pittsford receives less Foundation Aid than other Monroe County School Districts. Despite inflation, cessation of federal COVID funds, minimum wage increases, and costs of energy, PCSD received only $10,737 in additional Foundation Aid this year which equates to $1.75 per student.
The Problem
Pittsford Schools’ primary revenue source is capped annually (tax cap) and the District is not receiving an additional amount of NYS Foundation Aid necessary to maintain programs.
Current Status
Without a change to NYS Foundation Aid, Pittsford Schools will not be able to provide the exceptional educational experiences and robust programming that the District is accustomed to and that students deserve. As the budget process begins for next year, PCSD is forced to actualize $1.5 million in reductions. At the same time, PCSD is advocating for a consistent and predictable increase in NYS Foundation Aid. While the District will use additional reserves (savings accounts) to offset the lack of revenue from NYS, this is not a sustainable practice and will adversely affect future budgets.
Our Beliefs
Pittsford Central School District strives to continue its tradition of staying under the tax cap. Pittsford District taxpayers pay their fair share to support an educational program that is high performing and responsive to student needs. It is time to have a consistent, predictable state aid formula from NYS elected officials that everyone can support and be proud of. Our community should not have to pay more taxes because the NYS budget is not honoring its pledge to have the foundational aid formula fully run for Pittsford.
Advocacy Campaign
Many of our District leaders will be meeting with members of the New York State Assembly/Senate, Governor’s Office and NYS Education Department to share data regarding the District’s lack of funding and request an appropriate and fair increase in NYS Foundation Aid.
Action
Pittsford Schools’ Advocacy Team is asking you to advocate with them by contacting legislators via phone, email, mail or personal meetings.
Visit www.pittsfordschools.org/advocacy to access a sample letter you can use. Below are URLs to find your NYS elected official and their contact information:
- State Assembly: www.nyassembly.gov/mem/search
- State Senator: www.nysenate.gov/find-my-senator
Thank you for your continued support of Pittsford Schools.