Swatland Talks Impact of Final State Budget on Dunkirk Schools

With New York State's 2026-2027 finalized, school districts now have a clearer idea of how they will be affected by the $268.5 billion spending plan. Locally, the Dunkirk City School District will receive an additional bump in Foundation Aid compared to what was originally projected. Superintendent Brian Swatland, who gave an update on WDOE's "Viewpoint" program on Wednesday, says the district will get an additional $347,000 after adjustments were made to the state's Foundation Aid formula...

Brian Swatland: saw an increase of $347,000

While the district is getting more Foundation Aid, Swatland says Dunkirk is waiting to see how it will be impacted by reforms to the state's Tier VI pension plan that were also included in the final budget...

Brian Swatland: waiting on local share for Tier VI

Among the Tier VI revisions for teachers are a lowering of the retirement age from 63 to 58 upon 30 years of service. Employee contributions will also be lowered to a range of 3% to 5.75% for state and local employees.

Click here to listen to the entire "Viewpoint" interview featuring Brian Swatland.

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