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ED-RED representative warns state funding lags and urges outreach to legislators
Summary
Emily Lonigro, ED-RED representative for District 68, told the board that mandated categorical programs remain underfunded and that rising operational costs—especially transportation—are widening the funding gap; she urged board members and the community to engage legislators before the May 31 deadline.
Emily Lonigro, representing ED-RED (Educational Research Development), updated the board on legislative and budget developments affecting schools, emphasizing that state funding has not kept pace with rising operating costs. She said mandated categorical programs are significantly underfunded and noted that special education funding has “remained unchanged at 30% for decades,” while transportation, fuel and equipment costs continue to rise.
Lonigro reviewed several bills before the legislature that could affect districts, including measures on unemployment insurance for education support staff, recovery of lost property tax revenue, and permission for e-learning days when schools serve as polling places. She urged board members and the public to contact legislators ahead of the May 31 session deadline.
