Following the release of the Rockefeller Institute of Government’s study on Foundation Aid today, Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) is emphasizing the urgent need for a funding formula that better addresses the needs of modern schools, particularly in high-cost areas like Long Island.

Foundation Aid, established in 2007, is the primary formula for distributing state funding to more than 700 school districts across New York state. While intended to ensure fairness by considering factors such as regional salaries and student poverty rates, the formula has become outdated. Long Island, in particular, has seen its districts receive less funding than originally promised, with additional funds largely covering past shortfalls. The current formula also does not account for rising costs or the increased demand for mental health and special education services.

“The challenges facing our schools today are far different from when I was in school—advances in technology, evolving job markets and new opportunities all demand a new approach to funding,” said Assemblyman Ra, ranking Minority member of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee.

“To view this as merely a matter of ‘balancing budgets’ misses the point entirely. Ensuring our children have the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s world is our most important responsibility. The outdated funding formula is shortchanging our local schools, depriving them of the resources necessary for critical programs that are essential to our students’ futures.”

The Rockefeller Institute’s study offers recommendations, but the final decision on any changes lies with the governor’s office.