Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposed state budget includes a nearly 5% increase in school aid, a move that is drawing mixed reactions from school officials across Long Island.

The increase, particularly in the critical Foundation Aid, is a welcome change for many school districts, though concerns remain about whether it will be enough to offset rising costs and inflation.

The proposed budget calls for a 4.7% overall increase in school aid, with districts guaranteed a minimum of a 2% increase in Foundation Aid.

Foundation Aid is the largest source of state funding for schools, making this increase significant.

Last year, many school districts were bracing for potential cuts to aid, but this new proposal comes as a relief for most.

David Wicks, from Eastern Suffolk BOCES, noted that the proposed funding increase was a welcome announcement.

"The fact that all districts are guaranteed a minimum of a two percent increase is certainly a different message than what districts received last year," Wicks said.

Gov. Hochul, in announcing the budget, emphasized that it is focused on putting money back into the pockets of New Yorkers, which includes increasing funding for schools.

However, while many districts are pleased with the increase, some are expressing concerns over the overall adequacy of the funding.

For example, the Sachem School District, one of the largest in the region, issued a statement expressing gratitude for the increase in Foundation Aid.

"While we welcome the additional funding, the cuts in other facets of state aid will offset the increase," said Sachem School Superintendent Patricia Trombetta.

Robert Vecchio, president of the Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association, echoed similar concerns, pointing out that the increase in state funding may not be enough to keep up with inflationary costs schools have been dealing with for the past two years.

"We’re asking that the funding increase be higher to help offset the inflationary costs school districts have been facing," Vecchio said.

While the proposed budget numbers are encouraging for many, they are still subject to negotiation with the state Legislature.

The final version of the state budget is expected to be completed by April.