School District Passes Resolution to Join Federal Sequestration Prevention Campaign

In an effort to prevent congressional budget and federal programming cuts, the Farmingdale School District passed a resolution to join the New York State School Board's Association (NYSSBA).

According to various reports, federal education programs would be cut by an average of 8.2 percent nationally which would result in over $155,000 loss of federal aid for the Farmingdale School District.

The budget cuts would go into effect at the beginning of the 2013-2014 school year which would result in increased class sizes and program cuts including those designed to help student with disabilities. 

“It is vital to inform the community and be proactive in responding to the unfortunate possibility of reduction in federal aid and programs,” said John Lorentz, Farmingdale School District Superintendent.

“It is very important to be strong advocates against the current sequestration plan in order to save all of our current curriculum programs," he said.

John Capobianco, Farmingdale School District Board of Education Trustee, agreed that the budget cuts are significant. 

“The resolution that the board unanimously passed highlights our concern that these cuts would be detrimental to our students’ programs and the local property taxpayers. We are in the process of reaching out to our local elected officials to make them aware of our concerns," he said.

The Board of Education is inviting residents to discuss their concerns at the next public meeting on Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. at Howitt Middle School cafeteria. 

For more information on district initiatives, visit the district's website.