Dear Bloomfield School Community,

As we wrap up another busy week here in Bloomfield, I wanted to share how we are advocating for our District, and how your voice can make a difference.

As you know, the governor’s proposed budget reflects a 1% ($75,838) increase in Foundation Aid for Bloomfield next year. While this is not the first year we have dealt with an aid increase that has not met our needs, this will be the first time that we have received an increase this low if the legislature is unable or unwilling to advocate for additional funding for schools, particularly rural schools. To balance our budgets over the last two years, the district has left thirteen positions unfilled, and we are anticipating that we will leave multiple positions unfilled to balance this year’s budget.

Over the past several weeks, we have participated in numerous advocacy efforts on behalf of our school district and other districts like ours. The major points of emphasis with our advocacy have been to seek an increase in Foundation Aid, the repeal (or at the very least delay) of the electric vehicle (EV) bus mandate, and the need for state funding for school safety measures, particularly School Resource Officers (SROs). 

We remain committed to advocating against policies that will place an undue burden on taxpayers and remain committed to advocating for efforts that will keep students safe and ensure every child has access to a high-quality education. 

To join our advocacy effort, you can find a customizable sample letter here to send to key legislators urging additional funding for districts like ours.

As always, thank you for your continued support and partnership. If you have any questions or need anything throughout the year, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Andy Doell

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Picture of the Week: Congrats to the four BCS students who are currently in Providence, RI, to perform with the American Choral Directors' Assoc. Eastern Region Honor Choirs. They sent in audition recordings and were chosen from singers across 11 Eastern Region states. Bloomfield is one of 49 New York State districts to send students to this conference. Congrats to Casey Acoff, Lauren Forrett, and Avery Newstead in the SSAA Choir; and Madeline Seddon in the SATB Choir!