David Little, the executive director of the Rural Schools Association of New York State, is calling on state lawmakers for help.
“Three-hundred-and-thirty is the number of our members that classify themselves as being rural and joined the association,” said Little. “There’s roughly 700 school districts in New York. So, just about half.”
Earlier this year, the association released a report called “The Hard Work of Staying,” detailing seven of the key challenges making it difficult for rural schools to keep their doors open.
According to the report, the top three concerns include staffing shortages, student mental health, and a lack of proper funding. Specifically, what’s considered for funding.
“It’s based on things we needed a generation ago,” said Little. “There’s nothing in the formula for student mental health. There’s nothing for school safety, and these are the largest concerns of students and the schools that teach them these days.”
When it comes to school funding, money is distributed at the federal, state and local level. Primarily for schools in the Empire State, Little says the money that funds school districts is from local government and that’s where he feels the disparity comes in.
“If you have a wealthy tax base within your community, you’re all set,” said Little. “If you don’t like many rural schools don’t… you don’t have much of a local tax base.”
As state budget negotiations continue, both one-house budgets are calling for a 2% increase and the governor’s budget calls for a 1% increase in Foundation Aid, which is New York’s primary method for distributing funds to school districts.