As you and your families enjoy some well-deserved time off over President’s Day Recess, I want to take a moment to address an issue that deeply concerns all of us: The risk of a reduction to our district’s state funding for the 2024-2025 school year.
Our public schools are the heart of our community, nurturing and educating the next generation of leaders, thinkers and innovators. They provide a safe and supportive environment where our children learn, grow and thrive. However, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s recent executive budget proposal has put our schools in jeopardy, threatening the quality of education we’re able to provide our students.
The cuts to school funding included in Governor Hochul’s budget proposal would pose a significant risk to our children's future. Should her proposal become law, Attica alone would lose about $540,000 in foundation aid funding which could lead to larger class sizes, fewer extracurricular activities, and reduced support services for students. These cuts would not only diminish the educational experiences of our students but also jeopardize their chances of success in an increasingly competitive world.
Now more than ever, it’s crucial for us as parents and community members to advocate on behalf of our public schools.
I’m proud to say we’re doing our part here at Attica. Local state elected officials and superintendents from across the Genesee Valley came together in our Performing Arts Center earlier this month for a press conference to present a united front against the Governor’s proposed funding cuts.
In addition, we recently sent a letter to State Sen. George Borrello, urging the State Legislature to reject Hochul’s proposal and fully fund public schools in New York. The letter bore the signatures of all seven members of our Board of Education as well as my own.
(Click here to read our letter)
As a continued effort of our District’s advocacy initiative I will be attending a Lobby Day in Albany where I will meet with State representatives to discuss the negative impacts of the proposed budget.
By speaking up and taking action, we hope to ensure our children have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
It’s important we don’t overlook the vital role our schools play in shaping the fabric of our community. They’re more than just buildings where our children learn. They’re centers of learning, innovation and community engagement. Our schools bring us together and help foster a sense of belonging and pride.
I urge you to join me in advocating for increased school funding not only for Attica, but for schools across the state so that we can continue to provide the quality education opportunities our students are entitled to.
Wishing you all a safe, enjoyable, and restful President’s Day Recess. I’m hopeful we’ll all return refreshed and ready to learn.
Sincerely,
Kiel Illg, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools