Impact Aid forms benefit Laughlin children

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nathan L. Maysonet
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  For those that work on Laughlin, a few short minutes of your time could mean more money for your child's school. All you have to do is fill out the Federal Aid form going home in your child's bag Nov. 14.

"The Impact Aid forms help schools secure the funding needed to educate Laughlin's children," said Janet Johnson, 47th Force Support Squadron school liaison officer.

The Impact Aid Program was designed to help local school districts that have lost property tax revenue due to their proximity to federal property or have seen an increase in costs due to the enrollment of children whose parents have federal connections.

The money provided by the program is placed in the San Felipe Del Rio Consolidated Independent School District general fund, said Laura English, support services coordinator for the SFDR-CISD. Money is allocated for each student's education whether parents do or do not pay property taxes. The aid helps balance those missing funds.

The forms are an annual requirement for the school district and are the only way to account for those matching the aid programs criteria.

"This system is how we find our children and that helps schools get needed funding and helps in identifying their needs and the needs for schools," Johnson said.

At present there is no easy means for discovering all the children related to the military and government, Johnson said. With seven elementary schools in the district and without more parents completing the aid forms, it is uncertain how many children go unnoticed and funds are lost locally.

The same can be said for the middle and high schools whose students are also becoming more difficult to track as well, said English.

Completed forms are due Nov. 15 and must be returned for there to be any benefit, Johnson said. If a child forgets the form, one will be posted for download on the district site at www.SFDR-CISD.org the morning of Nov. 14.

"We appreciate all parents taking their time to complete the form," said English. "The money received will really benefit all the students."