Rachel Silberstein is reporting for the Times Union the state Senate this week kicks off a series of roundtable discussions at locations statewide concerning potential changes to how New York's schools funding formula should be updated. Known as Foundation Aid, the formula determines how millions of state dollars are distributed across New York's 950 school districts every year. "We need to have real discussions on how our public schools are funded and if this is the most effective way to ensure New York students receive the education they deserve," Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said in a statement. The forums will focus on how Foundation Aid meets student, district and community needs with the goal of achieving greater equity in school financing. The first roundtable will take place on Oct. 16 in Westchester County, with subsequent forums scheduled for Buffalo, Syracuse, Long Island, and New York City. There is no plan for a forum to be held the Capital Region. A public hearing will be held in Manhattan on December 3. Read the full story in the Times Union.