WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. From the Office of Assemblyman Adam Bradley. March 31, 2006: White Plains Assemblyman Adam Bradley announced today that the Legislature’s bi-partisan budget agreement invests in our children’s future and provides students with the tools necessary to succeed in a global economy. He provides the details of the aid secured for the other towns in the 89th Assembly District:
“The Legislature’s bi-partisan budget agreement provides necessary investments to create smaller class sizes, keep school buildings up-to-date, and provides property tax savings for Westchester residents,” said Bradley.
Substantial increase in aid
Schools in the 89th Assembly District will receive over $40.2 million in total aid - an increase of $2.7 million over last year and $2.6 million more than the governor’s proposal.
|
89th AD Schools |
Total Aid |
Total Aid increase
over last year |
Total Aid Increase
over Governor’s Budget |
|
Bedford |
$5,704,691 |
$78,377 |
$170,579 |
|
Byram Hills |
$3,306,765 |
$117,414 |
$174,674 |
|
Chappaqua |
$6,382,955 |
$240,489 |
$147,836 |
|
Harrison |
$3,730,457 |
$210,138 |
$137,657 |
|
Katonah-Lewisboro |
$6,800,445 |
$25,077 |
$201,064 |
|
Valhalla |
$2,713,481 |
$395,004 |
$548,423 |
|
White Plains City |
$11,589,626 |
$1,658,731 |
$1,294,088 |
|
Total |
$40,228,420 |
$2,725,230 |
$2,674,321 |
Constructing tomorrow’s schools today
Importantly, in order to further meet the needs of our students and with the knowledge that many school districts have increasing capital needs; the Legislature’s budget includes a capital program, EXpanding our Children’s Education and Learning (EXCEL), that provides $2.6 billion in capital funding in addition to building aid.
This includes an additional $8.7 million for schools in the 89th Assembly District, including:
· $1.3 million – Bedford
· $900,813 – Byram Hills
· $1.3 million – Chappaqua
· $1.1 million – Harrison
· $1.3 million – Katonah-Lewisboro
· $485,496 – Valhalla
· $2.1 million – White Plains
-more-
Universal pre-kindergarten
The Legislature’s 2006-07 budget also provides a $50 million increase to expand universal pre-kindergarten for a total of $254 million, which has proven to have positive, lasting results on young children’s education. Under this agreement:
· White Plains City schools would be eligible for $675,000
· Bedford schools will be eligible for $62,100
Bradley also noted that he was able to secure discretionary funds, known as
bullet-aid for school districts to apply toward projects of their choice, including:
· Bedford - $200,000
· Byram Hills - $50,000
· Katonah-Lewisboro - $45,000
To better ensure schools are spending tax dollars wisely, the Legislative budget doubles the amount of money to audit school districts, providing an extra $2.8 million over last year to root out fraud and corruption.
“Westchester families will certainly benefit from this bipartisan budget agreement,” said Bradley. “I urge the governor to join us in addressing our schools educational needs, while responsibly mitigating burdensome property taxes.”
