The BCSD State Foundation Aid Funding Plan can be found below. You can also download and print a PDF version of the Foundation Aid Funding Plan here.

Introduction

The 2021-2022 enacted state budget includes language stating that, for the 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24 school years, each school district receiving a foundation aid increase of more than 10% or $10,000,000 a school year must post a plan of how the funds will be used to address student performance and need, including but not limited to:

• Increasing graduation rates and eliminating the achievement gap;
• Reducing class size;
• Providing supports for students who are not meeting, or who are at risk of not meeting, state learning standards in core academic subject areas;
• Addressing student social-emotional health; and
• Providing adequate resources to English language learners, students with disabilities, and students experiencing homelessness.

For the 2022-23 school year, the Bethlehem Central School District received a foundation aid increase of 11 percent or $1,571,992. 

Planning Process and Community Engagement Efforts 

The district has engaged in a formal, strategic planning process since 2017-18, first soliciting feedback from all district stakeholders, and then using that information to craft a 5-year strategic plan. The plan included the development of metrics that could be measured over time, and which could be used to provide meaningful assessments of the progress that had been made. The plan was also helpful in aligning the district’s budgetary priorities with the key goals. (Link to the 2019-2024 BCSD Strategic Plan)

Additionally, the goals that we strive to achieve are incorporated within the annual budget development process. For instance, the 2022-23 budget includes the addition of a Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. This position adds a resource to help the district meet its goal of improving the school environment such that it focuses on providing training and resources that help foster an inclusive environment for all. The budget presentations contain extensive information about spending priorities, new initiatives, and what steps the district has taken to balance the budget, and best utilize the increase in resources from New York State. (Link to the district’s budget page.)

Public Comments

The district did not receive any public comments at the May 4, 2022 budget hearing. The Foundation Aid Funding Plan is also posted on the district’s website and public comments are welcomed.

If you would like to submit comments regarding the Foundation Aid Funding Plan, please email the District Communications Office at bcsdcommunications@bethlehemschools.org.

The strategic plan linked above addresses each of the following areas:

• Increasing graduation rates and eliminating the achievement gap.
• Reducing class size.
• Providing supports for students who are not meeting, or who are at risk of not meeting, state learning standards in core academic subject areas.
• Addressing student social-emotional health.
• Providing adequate resources to English language learners, students with disabilities, and students experiencing homelessness.
• Goals and ratios for pupil support.