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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. From the Office of Assemblyman Adam Bradley. March 31, 2006: White Plains Assemblyman Adam Bradley announced today that the Legislature’s bi-partisan budget agreement invests in our children’s future and provides students with the  tools necessary to succeed in a global economy. He provides the details of the aid secured for the other towns in the 89th Assembly District:

 

“The Legislature’s bi-partisan budget agreement provides necessary investments to create smaller class sizes, keep school buildings up-to-date, and provides property tax savings for Westchester residents,” said Bradley.

 

Substantial increase in aid

 

Schools in the 89^th Assembly District will receive over $40.2 million in total aid –  an increase of $2.7 million over last year and $2.6 million more than the governor’s proposal.

 

                                               

Constructing tomorrow’s schools today

 

Importantly, in order to further meet the needs of our students and with the knowledge that many school districts have increasing capital needs; the Legislature’s budget includes a capital program, EXpanding our Children’s Education and Learning (EXCEL), that provides $2.6 billion in capital funding in addition to building aid.

 

      This includes an additional $8.7 million for schools in the 89^th Assembly District, including:

·        $1.3 million – Bedford

·        $900,813 – Byram Hills

·        $1.3 million – Chappaqua

·        $1.1 million – Harrison

·        $1.3 million – Katonah-Lewisboro

·        $485,496 – Valhalla

·        $2.1 million – White Plains

 

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Universal pre-kindergarten

 

The Legislature’s 2006-07 budget also provides a $50 million increase to expand universal pre-kindergarten for a total of $254 million, which has proven to have positive, lasting results on young children’s education.  Under this agreement:

 

·        White Plains City schools would be eligible for $675,000

·        Bedford schools will be eligible for $62,100

    

Bradley also noted that he was able to secure discretionary funds, known as

bullet-aid for school districts to apply toward projects of their choice, including:

 

·        Bedford – $200,000

·        Byram Hills – $50,000

·        Katonah-Lewisboro – $45,000

 

To better ensure schools are spending tax dollars wisely, the Legislative budget doubles the amount of money to audit school districts, providing an extra $2.8 million over last year to root out fraud and corruption.

 

     “Westchester families will certainly benefit from this bipartisan budget agreement,” said Bradley.  “I urge the governor to join us in addressing our schools educational needs, while responsibly mitigating burdensome property taxes.”

 

WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. By John F. Bailey. March 31, 2006: White Plains will be receiving $1,658,731 in additional school aid, a 16.7% increase over the $10,120,000 in School Aid expected for the 2006-2007 budget. WP is also in line for an additional  $2,166,630 in capital funds and $183,600 in Pre-Kindergarten money in the budget expected to be passed by  tomorrow by the New York State Assembly and Senate. This windfall has been confirmed to WPCNR by Assemblyman Adam Bradley, speaking to WPCNR this afternoon.

 Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connors told WPCNR the district is awaiting details on how the monies can be used in the current budget, but predicts if the school aid is applicable it would lower the present $165.8 Million Proposed Budget 1% or down to $164.1M. Connors said Terrance Schreurs, Assistant Superintendent for Business was woorking on the impact on the budget for discussion with the Board of Education Monday evening.

Assemblyman Bradley advised WPCNR that Governor George Pataki has 10 days to sign the budget or veto line items. However, Bradley said, he believed the Senate and Assembly had the votes to override particularly on the education issues.

 Mr. Bradley said the money for the increased school aid for White Plains and other towns in the 89th district and across the state came from the $4 Billion New York State surplus, which he attributed to the revived New York State economy.