“If we agree that “not every student is college-bound,” then they, too, deserve the same state-funded support as those who choose to attend college for their post-graduation future”
April, 21, 2024
NY State Senator Monica Martinez
martinez@nysenate.gov
NY State Senator Alexis Weik
weik@nysenate.gov
NY Assemblyman Michael Durso
dursom@nyassembly.gov
NY Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre
Dear NY State Senate and Assembly Members,
Just one year removed from having seen education fully funded for the first time in decades, we have witnessed once again a foundation aid formula that is more easily manipulated than it is consistent. However, recent budget negotiations have initiated a welcomed conversation about updating this formula. As a parent and school board trustee, I believe this conversation should be centered on creating opportunities rather than obstacles for students, school districts, and taxpayers.
Absent from the current foundation aid formula is any direct funding for students attending BOCES occupational and career training. If we agree that “not every student is college-bound,” then they, too, deserve the same state-funded support as those who choose to attend college for their post-graduation future. Relying primarily on localized school district funding to provide such occupation training can limit student participation and their post-graduation career opportunities. This represents a glaring disparity of support for students beyond their high school years.
The future of those students choosing a career path before high school graduation should not be limited by the economic constraints of local school districts, nor should the taxpayer, who is already funding various higher education scholarship and tuition programs, be expected to do so again locally. In contrast, their college-bound peers have access to various state and federal financial assistance programs, such as the NY State Excelsior Tuition Program, for their career paths, which do not rely solely on local tax revenue.
For the 2023/24 school year, only about 30,000, or 3.5% of the 866,000 undergraduate students in NY State, received funding from the Excelsior Program. While we cannot deny the importance of continuing education, we should not discount the advantages for those who can enter the workforce having received a license or certified career path upon high school graduation. We can create broader opportunities for high school students while at the same time relieving this growing burden on the taxpayer. We should explore the possibilities of allocating funds to better aid local school districts in supporting the occupational training of those selecting to attend a licensed or certified BOCES program while still in high school.
I appreciate your consideration. If you have any questions or would like to request further dialogue on this matter, please contact me anytime.
Warmest regards,
Christopher Paolillo
Christopher Paolillo 