School Board Asks For Full State Funding

The Clarkstown School Board passed a resolution on Monday asking the New York State Commissioner of Education to give the district its full funding even though it is holding 179 days of classes not the required 180.

The State Senate already passed a bill supporting Clarkstown’s request. The Assembly has to vote on its version before it can go to the governor for his signature. According to a statement from State Senator David Carlucci, the approval would restore $110,000 in state funding to the district. 

“This financial relief will go a long way to offsetting costs for taxpayers and delivering for our students and teachers in the classrooms,” said Carlucci. 

Clarkstown schools were closed for six days after Hurricane Sandy and then for one day in March due to a snowstorm.  The district was able to make up most of the missed days, however more were used then had been built into the calendar. The school board extended the school year from Friday, June 21 to Monday, June 24 but reversed that decision and classes will end on Friday.

According to Carlucci, the bill has the support of the New York State United Teachers, New York State School Boards Association and New York State Council of School Superintendents.