Yonkers school officials said a big thank you Monday to its state legislative leaders after lawmakers secured tens of millions in additional money for the perennially underfunded district.

Members of Westchester's state legislative delegation took a victory tour of sorts at Boyce Thompson School in Yonkers after securing the aid for the often cash-strapped school district.

"We have now made this commitment that in three years, the full funding of foundation aid will happen, not only here in Yonkers, but across the entire state," says Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins.

For the 2021-2022 school year, Yonkers will receive $235.6 million in foundation aid - that's $21.9 million more than last year.

For the same period, Yonkers will get $345.6 in state school aid - a $35.7 million increase over last year.

"For the past number of years, we always had a budget with a significant deficit. This year I believe I will be able to propose to the trustees a balanced budget," says Yonkers School Superintendent Dr. Edwin Quezada.

The additional funding could go toward additional English as a Second Language classes, more money for the Free Lunch Program or renovating old buildings.

In addition to the increased state aid, Yonkers public schools will also receive about $106 million in federal funding.

Dr. Quezada says the money will be used to bring in additional teachers and make up for instructional time lost due to the pandemic.