Rochester, N.Y. (AP) - School districts in New York state stand to lose $164 million in federal funding in the 2013-14 school year if Washington doesn't avoid the "fiscal cliff" by Jan. 2.
An analysis by the New York State School Boards Association released Tuesday shows districts would lose an average of $243,000 earmarked largely for educational programs serving students with disabilities and students living in poverty.
The association's executive director, Timothy Kremer, says the Big Five school districts have the most to lose. His group's analysis of federal grant allocations estimates New York City's potential loss at $95 million. Buffalo could lose $4 million, Rochester, $3.4 million and Syracuse and Yonkers, $1.6 million each.
The analysis is based on an estimated 8.2 percent across-the-board cut in federal progams.
Washington leaders have until December 31st to reach a deal to avoid automatic spending cuts and tax increases for most Americans.
