“I am happy to announce that in the final 2008 – 2009 State budget, Syracuse City School District will receive close to $272 million. For the Syracuse City School District, this is an increase of $23 million in state aid from last year’s budget.

Magnarelli also announced that in addition to the $23 million increase of funding, the Syracuse City School District will receive from the New York State Assembly:

• $1 million in aid for discretionary use
• $1 million for the Say Yes to Education Program

In addition, the Syracuse City School District will see an increase in state aid for Universal Pre-Kindergarten of $28,045 over last year’s budget to $7.3 million. BOCES also saw a significant increase of $4.9 million over the 2007 – 2008 budget to $12,434,159.

“The Assembly chose to give the SCSD additional funding to ease the already growing financial burden the school district is facing,” Magnarelli said.

“By financially supporting programs that help ensure education excellence, we are preparing our children for success. Through this important increase of state aid to the Syracuse City School District, all students – including the youngest student and the one with special needs – can succeed.”