Editorial
Reduced BOCES funding is wrong step for state

We have begun the annual dance in New York State that sets the tempo of school funding for the coming year. This year's numbers, announced by G. Eliot Spitzer, sound, at first beat, to be optimistic. One aspect of the Governor's initial plan, which is yet to be evaluated, fought and eventually turned into a compromise proposal with the New York State Legislature, however is disappointing- the proposed change in the way BOCES aid will be funded.

It is disappointing for two reasons. First, it is likely to give, if passed as outlined by Gov. Spitzer, less funding to school districts who rely heavily upon these services, and two because these schools are the most needy.

Any change that threatens to reduce this aid is not, in our opinion, well thought out. It is out of sync with the state's promises to bring financial equity to schools in New York State and the state's students. And, it is in direct opposition to a state movement to help reduce the cost of local education by having school districts consolidate services whenever possible. In fact, the Governor has appointed a panel to review the possibilities of this approach, and that committee is already working to execute its charge.

We would hope that this particular aspect of the Governor's plan is one of those "throw away" items he is all too prepared to concede to in the heat of the twists and turns of this annual process. If not, he's well on his way to stepping on a lot of toes- and hearing a lot of angry cries.

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