This session will demystify the connections between the SAMS submission process, the Statewide Information Repository System (SIRS), and how these systems feed into the state’s school aid databases and payment schedule. Participants will gain a clear understanding of how timely and accurate submissions influence aid allocations, as well as strategies to stay aligned with the data calendar. By the end, attendees will see the “big picture” of how submissions drive both aid calculations and cash flow for districts. 

Brian Cechnicki, Executive Director, ASBO New York

Sean Giambattista, Director of State Aid, NYSED

Designed as an introduction to school finance in New York, this session provides a comprehensive overview of the state budget cycle and its implications for districts. Building on the presentation originally delivered at the Ed Summit, participants will explore the fundamental components of state aid, local tax contributions, and how the balance of funding sources varies across counties and districts with similar needs. Attendees will leave with a solid foundation to better interpret budget decisions and their impact on schools. 

Brian Cechnicki, Executive Director, ASBO New York

This session goes beyond the basics, focusing on the landmark Silver v. Pataki case and its lasting influence on New York State’s budget-making process. Participants will learn how the division of budget powers between the Governor and the Legislature shapes school aid decisions today. By examining both historical context and current practice, attendees will better understand the political and legal dynamics driving education funding outcomes. 

Brian Cechnicki, Executive Director, ASBO New York

Foundation Aid is the cornerstone of New York’s school funding system, but its complexity can be challenging to navigate. This session will unpack the formula in detail, illustrating how changes in its components (such as enrollment, need, or fiscal capacity) can significantly alter a district’s aid. Participants will learn how to understand how data modeling unlocks these answers to anticipate shifts, with a look at historical trends like phase-in and save-harmless provisions. This session is designed for those ready to go beyond surface-level understanding and engage with the mechanics of the formula. 

Brian Cechnicki, Executive Director, ASBO New York

This session explores the formulas behind the aid ratios that drive state support for capital, transportation, and other categorical aids. With a special focus on the Combined Wealth Ratio (CWR), attendees will examine how multiple data sources feed into the calculation and how these shifts can impact district funding over time. Through historical trends, regional comparisons, and modeling of potential future changes, participants will gain a stronger grasp of how aid ratios reflect, and respond to, the fiscal landscape of school districts across New York. 

Brian Cechnicki, Executive Director, ASBO New York

Understanding state aid is one thing  -  explaining it clearly to school boards, community members, and other stakeholders is another. This session will equip participants with strategies for breaking down the complexities of state aid formulas and the state budget process into accessible, meaningful narratives. Using sample charts and visual tools, attendees will learn how to translate technical details into messages that foster clarity and confidence.

The session concludes with an “office hours” segment, where participants can bring their own charts, questions, and district-specific challenges for guided discussion and practical advice. Attendees will leave better prepared to communicate funding issues with accuracy, transparency, and impact. 

Brian Cechnicki, Executive Director, ASBO New York