What happened earlier this month in Forestville will be taking place at many of the 18 schools in Chautauqua County. As costs increase — and the American Rescue Plan Act funds run dry — district leaders are going to begin lamenting the lack of aid from the state.

According to Forestville Central School Business Administrator Kerrie Pelletter, the District will receive approximately $75,000 less in foundation aid than estimated.

“We didn’t expect the governor’s proposal would be that much less,” Superintendent Dr. John O’Connor said.

In all reality, $75,000 is not a major hit on a budget that stands at $14.1 million for the 2024-25 school year. In fact, $75,000 is one position in the district — or 0.5% less than the total budget.

School districts during COVID got fat. Extra aid from federal and state coffers is starting to dry up. They, like everyone else impacted by inflation, will have to do more with less.

Forestville, with a fund balance of $2 million, has a cushion — as do plenty of other districts. Boards and administrators say that money is set aside for a rainy day.

Maybe the storm clouds have arrived.