EXCEL Program

NYSASBO received a few calls and e-mails yesterday from members concerned that the State was pulling the plug on the EXCEL Program. The concern was raised by an alert sent out by the NYS School Boards Association.

I was told yesterday by the state Division of Budget that there has been no policy change (nor is one under consideration) that will disrupt school districts’ ability to access EXCEL funding or the payment of EXCEL Aid into the future. DOB further noted that language in the State 2009-2010 Capital and Financial Plan regarding a "phase-out of the $2.6 billion EXCEL program" refers to their expectation that the state would have paid out all EXCEL Aid by the end of 2010-2011. DOB recognizes aid payments will stretch out past 2011 based on the rate at which districts access EXCEL and will revise the plan after July 1st.