An Orange County district says it can ill afford to not receive federal aid that is dedicated to helping poor and disadvantaged students.

Officials with the Highland Falls schools says census information has deemed the school district has fewer than five percent of children in poverty, but Superintendent Debra Jackson, who oversees Highland Falls schools, says at least 22 percent of her students receive food assistance in school.

"Those children are part of our free and reduced lunch. They're part of our special needs program and we provide special programs for them also," says Jackson. "One of the things we know is that socioeconomic status has an effect on learning."

Highland Falls may also be looking at another crucial cut in federal aid - $1.5 million in what's called special impact aid. That aid goes to communities where much of the taxable land is owned by the government.

To see extended interviews about funding for Highland Falls schools, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.