School district rewarded for efficiency

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) - New York state is rewarding four school districts for finding a combined $21 million in efficiency savings.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo Tuesday held the districts up as models for the rest of the state, while promising them $12 million in competitive grants over the next three years.

Rochester is the biggest winner, receiving $4.5 million for identifying $9.5 million in savings. Newburgh and Kenmore-Tonawanda will each get $3.6 million for finding nearly $6 million in savings and Queensbury is being awarded $561,000 for finding $624,000 in savings.

Rochester did things like reorganize professional development and central office staff. Newburgh realigned bell times to do away with five buses, while Ken-Ton made health plan changes and reconfigured bus routes. Queensbury adopted an energy management program and also consolidated office staff.