Six years ago, the courts judged the system for funding public schools in New York City violates the state Constitution; required remedial action is still incomplete. A study by Rutgers University rated New York near the bottom of the 50 states in equitable distribution of education funds. Many schools are now projecting draconian staff and program cuts or insolvency.
We propose the following to reform state aid to school districts:
Each year, determine for each district the number of students and the total assessed market value of real property (after adjusting for exemptions).
Select an equitable percentage property-tax rate statewide, perhaps by allowing the Legislature to override any rate proposed by the State Education Department
Apply that rate to the adjusted total market value of property in each district then divide by the number of students.
Calculate the average property tax revenue per student statewide.
Distribute basic state aid sufficient to bring revenue per student in each district that is below the average up to that average. This formula is fundamentally just in that it ensures that every district receives at least the statewide average revenue per student. (Districts who so choose could raise more revenue by adopting a higher property tax rate).
To the extent the state budget allows, the state could distribute additional aid per student to all districts (to reduce reliance on the property tax) or targeted aid (to reward innovative programs or assist districts with unusual burdens).
Russell Patton Jr.
Social Concerns Commission, Church of the Covenant
Averill Park