Lackawanna – Today, April 22, 2021, New York State Assemblymembers Jon Rivera and Pat Burke announced that the Lackawanna City School District will receive $45.9 million in funding from the FY 2021-2022 State Budget. That’s an increase of $5.2 million, or 12.8 percent, from the previous year’s budget. 

In addition to the state funding, Lackawanna was allocated $12.6 million in federal funding as part of the American Rescue Plan.

Assemblymember Jon Rivera said, “The Assembly fought to ensure that the federal stimulus money would not supplant any state funding. Our educators and students have faced unprecedented circumstances throughout the pandemic. Districts can now use this money to get students safely back into the classroom, to make up for lost learning time, and to invest in resources and support programs that benefit our kids. This funding is also a big step in setting districts up for long-term success.”

Assemblymember Pat Burke said, “The investments we make in our schools today help set our students down the road to success in the future. That’s why I fought so hard to ensure this year’s state budget delivered for schools like the ones here in Lackawanna. After years of our schools being underfunded, I’m especially proud that we made the commitment to fully fund Foundation Aid and significantly increase funding for pre-kindergarten. Students and teachers have given so much this past year, and this funding is needed now more than ever. This budget will go a long way toward helping prepare our kids for the bright future ahead of them.”

Keith Lewis, Superintendent, Lackawanna City School District said, “The overwhelming support from our local leaders who fought and advocated for our School District's increased Foundation Aid in the adopted 2021-2022 State Budget, will be felt for generations. The $2.5 million dollars of additional Foundation Aid funding will allow us to hire nearly 20 new teaching positions for next school year. Also, we will be able to provide several new Advanced Placement classes and offer 17 college bearing credit classes (8 are new) for our High School students. The $12.6 million dollars from the Federal Government (American Rescue Plan) is a wonderful opportunity for our District and we are still working through the guidelines and regulations on what that can be utilized for.”