West Islip Gets Small State Aid Bump

With state lawmakers working to approve New York’s 2013-14 budget, new state aid figures show West Islip will be getting a minor increase over initial aid projections.

Figures received on Thursday by Patch show West Islip will be getting an additional $150,482 in state aid over what was originally proposed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo in January. The school district’s total state aid for the 2013-14 school year will be $30,694,680, a 2.83 percent increase over the 2012-13 school year budget.

While any increase in state aid would surely be welcomed by school district officials, the additional funding will do little to offset increases such as pension costs that are set by the state.

School officials and board of education trustees are now working to close a $2 million budget gap. The next budget work session is Wednesday, April 3, at the Beach Street Middle School cafeteria.

Related 2013-14 school budget stories:

• Buildings & Grounds Budget Increase Minimal
• BOE Watching Albany While Contemplating Cuts
• Poll: Higher Taxes or More Tough Decisions at West Islip Schools?
• Elementary Enrollment Projections Continue to Drop
• School District Facing $2 Million Budget Gap