Deja Vu...

With the release of the proposed Executive Budget this week from the Governor's office, it feels as if we are experiencing a form of deja vu in 2020. While there are facts that school aid spending overall is at it's highest point in State history, the increases to schools throughout New York State are minimal at best. Most schools in the Mohawk Valley region are projected to receive less than a 2% increase in funding (with several schools expected to get less than 1%). What does this mean and why is school aid formula funding important? It's important because the school aid formula is supposed to equitably fund public schools throughout New York State, but rarely does this occur. Instead, it has become the norm for school districts to expect their tax paying communities to help keep their districts afloat. In Rome specifically, this deja vu experience could be more alarming than year's past as revenues from the State continue to be minimal, reserves are low, and our tax payers can't continue to bail out the short comings of the school aid formula. More than ever, education and everyone become better versed in understanding school finance is going to be required for this budget season. An example for Rome, between the school aid increase and tax cap restrictions (our 2 sources of revenue are state aid and taxes), we will only be generating approximately $1.3 million more in revenue this year than last year. Health insurance expenses alone are projected to increase by $2.5 million. That means, just for health insurance, we need to reduce something by $1.2 million to balance that budget. Without even looking at any other aspect of the budget, our revenue stream does not support maintaining a school system that the Rome community has come to know. Significant changes are going to need to occur, if the school aid funding formula is not fixed. The good news in all of this is that due to the major reductions last year, this year's process of getting to a balanced budget should not be nearly as painful. However, the challenge is real and deju vu is upon us. 

Sweetheart Dance

On Friday, February 7, the Rome Recreation Department will be hosting their 9th Annual Sweetheart Dance at Life Church. Open to all children grades preK-six, the event will have a DJ, dancing, pizza, and more. The cost is $20 per couple and the event will run from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. For more information, please see their flier HERE, or contact the Recreation Department.

Rotary Youth Ambassadors

This year, more than 8,000 young people will have the opportunity of a lifetime – a chance to live in another country and see the world from a new perspective through Rotary Youth Exchange. As a short term (summer) Family to Family Exchange Student, you are matched with a student from a country you choose and live together for 6-8 weeks; spending 3-4 weeks in each other’s homes. You will be a youth ambassador, helping to bring the world closer together and developing great friendships in the process. If you are ready for the challenge, then discover new worlds through the Rotary Youth Exchange program. For more information, please visit their website at www.7150youthexchange.org or see their flier, HERE.

Host Families Needed

Would you enjoy having a high school student live with you for 3-4 months? If so, hosting a foreign exchange student may be for you. If you are interested in more information, you can visit www.7150YouthExchange.org to learn more about the Rotary program or contact former host, Sam Pendergast at 315-617-3567 or slpender55@gmail.com. Sam is our local Rotary Club Youth Exchange Officer who can provide great information to you, as well as put you in contact with other host families who can share their experiences with you.