Op-Ed: LI Schools Need a Fair Funding Formula

Don't be caught off guard just because the state budget is settled this year.

Although Albany has been gracious enough to give more to Long Island, the aid is far below what was given in 2009.

Save Long Island Schools Facebook movement still has a long way to go to get lost state aid restored and to get lawmakers to put in place a more equitable Fair Funding Formula.

Save Long Island Schools is so simple: Focus on one issue only, keep our tax dollars right here where we live by creating a fair funding formula that allows all students an equal opportunity to be educated.

Albany sees high property values on Long Island and assumes we all have high income. Look around us: People are out of work, and houses are being lost to foreclosure.

The time to take action is now! Taxpayers can no longer use excuses for the dire situation facing Long Island school districts during the next few years.

We’re all to blame, both the voters and the non-voters. We’ve allowed the same song and dance to take place year after year, in election results that promise relief that never comes and the begging and pleading to Albany and local legislators every trying to be heard the loudest before New York State budget is .

The traditional ways are not working. I'm Saving Long Island Schools, one issue at a time. Equity first! Be a leader, and join us on Facebook.

is the current president of the Lindenhurst . She’s also a member of the Save Long Island Schools Facebook group, which currently has almost 6,000 members.

The group held a on , which was attended by several local legislators and several Board of Education members and civic leaders.

It also executed an via phone, e-mail, Facebook and Twitter to put pressure on Albany to restore more state aid to the school districts on the Island. The online group continues in that mission.

Editor's Note: Don't forget to your thoughts and concerns about this and the with Lindenhurst Patch on the site in the comments section of articles on the topic, on Facebook and Twitter, and by e-mailing barbara.loehr@patch.com with an .