An effort to change the state’s formula for allocating educational aid could put in jeopardy future funding to support student programming and staffing in the Poughkeepsie City School District and others.

The state has commissioned The Rockefeller Institute of Government to assess New York's foundation aid education funding formula and discuss potential changes to how it works. As part of the study, the Rockefeller Institute wants to hear from education stakeholders across the state, including students, their parents and families, teachers, school staff and administrators.

Due to the Rockefeller Institute not scheduling any hearings in the Hudson Valley, Assemblyman Jonathan G. Jacobson, who supports Assembly District 104, hosted a foundation aid hearing with legislators and school officials on Wednesday, Aug. 28, at Orange County Community College. Poughkeepsie district officials were among those invited.

Dr. Eric Jay Rosser, superintendent of schools, and Ken Silver, assistant superintendent of business, delivered compelling testimony on the need for the state to make adjustments to the formula.

"We support changes that will provide greater support and oppose any changes that will reduce financial support!" shared Rosser, citing the challenges the Poughkeepsie district faces and how the current formula misses the mark in providing adequate funding to support the varying and evolving academic, social, emotional and wellness needs of the city's children.

He highlighted data that states communities challenged with high rates of intergenerational poverty, limited opportunities for social and economic mobility, and limited taxing ability, such as Poughkeepsie, were at a greater disadvantage, and cuts to school funding would only exacerbate what schools and communities are working hard to reverse.

The Rockefeller Institute is accepting public comments through Friday and the district strongly encourages everyone to provide feedback by submitting written comments on the Rockefeller Institute website’s online platform.

Over the past four years, Poughkeepsie students have benefited greatly from the financial resources that have been provided by the state (approximately 68% of the entire school district's budget). Any reduction to the amount of state funding will have an adverse impact on our children's ability to continue to strive. Please join the district in taking action to have our voices heard.