Herkimer and Utica on Comptroller’s List of Fiscally Stressed School Districts

New York Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli's list of fiscally stressed schools is out and both the Herkimer and Utica school districts are on the top 15 list of the most fiscally distressed schools.

The Utica City School District actually improved slightly from last year moving up from significant to moderate, receiving a fiscal distress score of 63.3%.  Meanwhile, Herkimer which was not on the 'jeopardy' list last year, declined substantially to a distress score of 60%.  Both Utica and Herkimer are listed as suffering from moderate fiscal distress.  A score of 65% and higher is considered severe.

The fiscal stress scores are based on financial information submitted as part of each district’s ST-3 report filed with the New York State Department of Education.

Brookfield Central School is also on the moderately stressed list with a score of 53.3%.  Little Falls is at 36.7% and Dolgeville is at 28.3%.

Schools from the area that are listed in best shape include New York Mills, New Hartford, Sherrill, Waterville, Westmoreland and Whitesboro.  Oppenheim-St. Johnsville and Central Valley Academy are inconclusive because of the lack of data due to their recent mergers.

• Brookfield  53%
• Clinton 11%
• Dolgeville 28.3%
• Frankfort 6.7%
• Little Falls 36.7%
• Mt. Markham 20%
• Remsen 6.7%
• Rome 20%
• Sauquoit 30%
• Sherrill 0%
• New Hartford 0%
• New York Mills 0%
• Van Hornsville/ODY 10%
• Waterville 0%
• Town of Webb  6.7%
• West Canada Valley 15%
• Westmoreland 0%
• Whitesboro 0%

The Comptroller’s office analyzed separate environmental indicators to help provide insight into the health of the local economy and other challenges that might affect a school district’s finances. These include such measures as student enrollment, property value, budget vote results and poverty.