Buffalo schools are seeing no financial relief in the new state budget which will probably fall into place Thursday.While the budget isn't passed, there is an agreement on it and there have been computer runs on what the extra $1 billion for schools would do for the nearly 800 school districts across the state.
Under the released figures, almost all school systems in Western New York would get more money, with Buffalo slated for a three-percent hike.
The city's chief financial officer says that isn't so. Barbara Smith says the state aid is a wash.
"It only increases our budget from the governor's budget $5.8 million. So, on a year-to-year budget basis we're looking at a $2 million decrease in state aid. It's not a three percent increase," Smith says.
The district could use more money since it's looking at a $20 million deficit this year and potentially $50 million next year. Smith says there are reserves but they are disappearing fast with deficits like these.
