Binghamton Schools Chief Assesses Financial Challenges

Dr. Marion Martinez says more resources are needed to help educate children in the Binghamton City School District.

The district's new superintendent says there will be a focus on improving student achievement despite the ongoing challenges of finding enough money to maintain instructional programs.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, Martinez noted the school district offers some "rigorous programs" to help students succeed.

Martinez said the district will work to maintain those programs while being sensitive to the concerns of taxpayers.

The superintendent said the city school district has been dealing with the loss of state aid while at the same time working to meet a range of unfunded mandates.

While officials in some New York state school districts have expressed concern they might soon run out of money, Martinez said that doesn't appear likely "in the very near future" in the Binghamton district.

But she conceded that's a potential risk at some point given limited sources of revenue at a time when costs continue to rise. Martinez said the Binghamton school district has been very active in a lawsuit brought by districts in smaller New York state cities seeking greater