• Supporting OUR Schools
     
    As Governor Cuomo and the NYS Legislature prepare the state budget for next year, funding for public education needs to remain a priority. Unfortunately, with the release of the 2015-16 Executive Budget Proposal in January, the Governor failed to including a spending plan and outline of state aid for school districts. As a result, districts across New York State are struggling to provide their stakeholders, the Board of Education and community members, with a thoughtful budget to ensure that we maintain a competitive educational program in our schools taught by highly-qualified educators. 
     
    If you support Cheektowaga-Sloan schools, please consider sending a message to Albany lawmakers. A sample letter and contact information for each elected official is available below: 

    Sample Letter: Sample Letter to Governor Cuomo

    NEW YORK STATE
    FEDERAL
    Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
    NYS Capitol Building
    Albany, NY 12224
    (518) 474-8390
    www.state.ny.us/governor
     
    Senator Timothy Kennedy
    Buffalo Office
    2239 South Park
    Buffalo, NY 14220
    (716) 826-2683
    Fax: (716) 826-2793
    Kennedy@nyssenate.gov
     
    Assemblyman Michael Kerns
    1074 Union Road
    West Seneca, NY 14224
    (716) 608-6099
    Fax: (716) 671-8291
    kearnsm@assembly.state.ny.us
     
    Assemblywoman Angela Wozniak
    2562 Walden Ave, Suite 102
    Cheektowaga, NY 14225
    (716) 686-0080
    Fax: (716) 686-3752

    U.S. Congressman Brian Higgins
    Buffalo District Office
    Larkin at Exchange
    726 Exchange Street, Suite 601
    Buffalo, NY 14210
    (716) 852-3501
    Chief of Staff: Chuck Eaton -chuck.eaton@mail.house.gov
     
    U.S. Senator Charles Schumer
    Buffalo Office
    130 South Elmwood Avenue 
    #660 
    Buffalo, NY 14202 
    Phone: 716-846-4111 
    Fax: 716-846-4113
    http://www.schumer.senate.gov/
     
    U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
    Buffalo Office
    Larkin At Exchange
    726 Exchange Street, Suite 511
    Buffalo, NY 14210
    Tel. (716) 854-9725
    Fax (716) 854-9731 
    http://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/

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    The Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA)
     
    If you’re reading and hearing about school funding issues in New York State, it’s likely you’ve heard the phrase “Gap Elimination Adjustment” or GEA, which is just one part of a complex fiscal puzzle affecting our school budgets. Please read on to learn more and view the accompanying video for an explanation. [Note: The video below is a Youtube video and may need to be unblocked to view.]
     
     
     
    Q: What is the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA)?
    A: The Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA) law was first introduced for the 2010-2011 fiscal year as a way to help close New York’s then $10 billion budget deficit. Under the legislation, a portion of the funding shortfall at the state level is divided among all school districts throughout the state and reflected as a reduction in school district state aid. GEA is money that is deducted from state aid originally promised to school districts based on state aid formulas. Essentially, it’s a "take-back" by the state of aid originally due to school districts.
     
    Q: How does GEA affect our schools?
    A: Many schools throughout the state have gaping holes in their budgets due to the GEA. Since the take-back went into effect, Cheektowaga-Sloan UFSD has lost more than $8 million in aid under GEA legislation and is projected to more. On a state level, schools have lost more than $6.1 billion in aid. This translates into more than $2,200 per student.
     
    Q: How can I get more information?
    A: Visit EducationSpeaks.org for information on advocating for restoration of school aid.