CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. — The Maryvale School District in Erie County is currently educating 76 migrant students who came to the region by way of New York City and are living in a hotel in the town.

Superintendent Joseph D'Angelo says the students registered in late August.

 "We didn't have much time or notice, and it certainly wasn't something that was developed in our budget that the voters approved in May," he said.

Last week, the school board passed a resolution calling on New York City to cover the expenses the district has incurred. D'Angelo said it's spent nearly $400,000 so far for six new teacher aides, an English as a New Language teacher and transportation to and from the hotels. 

"Our board believes that our local taxpayers shouldn't bear the burden of New York City's choices and for us it's a separate issue than the children," he said.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Erie County Executive's Office says the deputy county executive has had weekly meetings with school districts, resettlement agencies and New York City contractor DocGo.

"There has been an ongoing effort to secure additional funding for schools," spokesperson Peter Anderson said. "The State Education Department has announced additional Title 3 funds and has requested feedback from each district impacted by this situation. New York City has also committed to reimbursing our local school districts for additional costs associated with educating these students. Ongoing discussions are planned as we continue to advocate for our schools."

Anderson said the county has been appreciative of Maryvale and the Sweet Home School District, which have both embraced migrant students. 

"We're an educational institution," D'Angelo said. "Our job is to educate kids, any kid that walks through our door and we're prepared to do it. We love having them here. It's just that the politics and logistics of how it happened kind of put a burden on us."

He said Maryvale is making do for now, but at some point will have to make difficult decisions if the district doesn't get money back. Maryvale has meetings scheduled with the State Education Department next week.