Connect with us

Government

State Senator Harckham Announces $1 Million in Senate Funding for the North Rockland Central School District

Published

2 years ago

on

Garnerville, NY – New York State Senator Pete Harckham announced today that the North Rockland Central School District (NRCSD) is receiving $1 million from the Senate as part of a plan that provides additional funding for school districts experiencing significant financial hardships.

“My colleagues in the State Senate and I understand that school districts statewide need proper financial support and resources to provide the best education possible for our students,” said Harckham. “This Senate funding, in addition to the school aid given by the state to the North Rockland Central School District, will ensure that instruction and programming remain at their optimal levels while protecting local taxpayers. The Senate leadership deserves thanks for decisively acting on my request to help North Rockland.”

The Senate funding for NRCSD, which was adopted by resolution in June 2023, was part of an appropriation plan in the state’s FY2024 budget supporting schools that are experiencing extraordinary changes in taxable property valuations or significant tax liabilities because of a tax certiorari settlement or judgment.

In the case of NRCSD, the funding will help draw down the debt from a 2006 tax certiorari settlement with Mirant Corp., the owner of two power plants in the district that were judged to have been over assessed in prior years. The funding secured by Harckham will help offer taxpayers relief from the Mirant debt crisis in North Rockland, which is the largest tax certiorari in New York State history.

In the state’s FY2024 Budget, NRCSD received $84.4 million in Foundation Aid, a $17.3 million or 25.9% increase from the prior year’s budget. The district received $112.8 million in state aid, not including the $1 million in announced Senate funding.

North Rockland Central School District Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kris Felicello said, “This $1 million in Senate funding will go a long way in helping North Rockland pay down some of the annual debt service associated with the 2006 Mirant settlement. We appreciate the work of Senator Harckham in lessening the burden on our taxpayers.”

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Government

Stay Cool This Summer with HEAP Cooling Assistance – Apply Today

Published

12 hours ago

on

April 30, 2025

By

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Cooling Assistance Benefit is a great resource for eligible New York households who need help staying cool during the warmer months. It can cover the cost of purchasing and installing an air conditioner or fan for those who qualify.

Here’s a quick summary of what you need to know:

✅ What it covers: The purchase and installation of an air conditioner or fan.
✅ Who qualifies: Income-eligible households with at least one member who has a documented medical condition worsened by heat.
✅ How to apply:

🕒 Tip: This benefit is provided on a first-come, first-served basis and only while funding lasts—so it’s a good idea to apply as early as possible.

Continue Reading

Government

Rockland County Legislators Approve Firefighters’ Memorial, Paving Way for Long-Awaited Tribute

Published

2 days ago

on

April 29, 2025

By

This is an artist’s rendering to show what the new memorial could look like.

Rockland County legislators have unanimously approved a contract to begin construction of the long-awaited Firefighters’ Memorial, marking a major step toward honoring more than 50 local firefighters who have died in the line of duty since 1906.

The $1.9 million project, led by the Rockland County Volunteer Firefighters’ Association, will be built on the lawn of the County Courthouse in New City. It will include the new memorial, the relocation of two military memorials, and the renovation of the County Police Memorial.

“This is long overdue,” said Public Safety Committee Chairman Paul Cleary. “It’s the right thing to do to honor all who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice.”

The memorial will recognize both volunteer and paid firefighters and serve as a place of reflection for families and the community. Construction is expected to begin later this year.

Continue Reading

Trending