Farmingdale Educators, Students Meet with Hannon

The Farmingdale School District’s Legislative Action Committee visited Senator Kemp Hannon in Albany earlier this year to discuss multiple aspects of educational funding such as regional cost differences. 

Students, administrators and members of the Board of Education spoke on behalf of the District to voice concerns to state legislators.

“Many members of our community, including our students, have concerns with the potential implications these changes may have on our schools,” said John Lorentz, Farmingdale School District Superintendent. “The Legislative Action Committee’s visit with Senator Hannon was a great opportunity for our community to become more active in government related topics.”

First and foremost, the representatives urged state officials to restore high-tax aid to the 2012-13 funding levels. Governor Cuomo’s recent proposal calls for a reduction of $1.4 million in high-tax aid to the Farmingdale School District and a $37 million reduction in total high tax aid to all Long Island school districts.

The Legislative Action Committee urged Hannon, R-Garden City, and other state legislators to recognize regional cost differences to ensure that Long Island schools have the same buying power as dollars allocated to schools in other regions.  Another topic of discussion was the district’s proposal for a Teacher Retirement System Reserve that could help to smooth out spiking rates from year to year.

The Farmingdale School District encourages community members to become involved in the issues that affect our schools. 

The next Board of Education meeting will take place on April 10. For more information on the Farmingdale School District’s school lunch program, visit the District’s website at www.farmingdaleschools.org.