District anticipates $7.2M increase in Foundation Aid for student services

Gates Chili Central School District is poised to receive a significant boost in funding for the upcoming school year, thanks to a notable increase in Foundation Aid. This aid, which is calculated based on various demographic factors including poverty levels and the needs of English language learners and students with disabilities, reflects the district's changing demographics over the past 25 years. The new poverty metric used for state aid calculations acknowledges these shifts, ensuring that the district receives the necessary resources to address its growing needs.

While the state budget is not yet finalized, indications suggest that the district will benefit from this increased funding. In addition to Foundation Aid, the district anticipates more aid related to BOCES services, which have been expanded in recent years. This is expected to enhance support for students with disabilities through excess cost aid, which is based on a three-year average of costs.

The district is also set to receive funding for hardware, technology, and transportation, with the latter being crucial as the district has successfully navigated staffing challenges in a competitive market for drivers. Furthermore, building aid will assist with debt service payments for capital projects, providing approximately 82 cents on the dollar for these expenses.

Overall, the district expects an increase of around $7.2 million in other revenue, accounting for nearly 4% of its budget. This includes significant payments in lieu of taxes, which alone exceed $1 million. The anticipated funding will play a vital role in supporting the district's educational initiatives and ensuring that it can continue to meet the needs of its diverse student population.