Hempstead Board of Education members say as of now, David Paterson Elementary School could stay open, but that could all change based on a vote in Albany.

As News 12 previously reported, a state budget provision would offer increased aid to school districts, including Hempstead, with high charter school enrollment.

During Tuesday night’s Hempstead Board of Education meeting, BOE President Victor Pratt answered a question about the school’s future by signaling a good sign, for now.

"As of this moment, we don't foresee an issue, in regards to it remaining open,” he said.

He immediately went on to say this is not a done deal and depends on whether a new plan in the state budget passes.

The plan, introduced by Long Island state Sen. Siela Bynoe, would provide additional state funding to school districts where more than 20% of its students attend charter schools.

In Hempstead, 36% of students in the district go to charter schools.

"The charter school payments have placed a tremendous financial burden on our district and these funds could help offset this burden,” said Pratt.

All the back and forth has David Paterson Elementary School parents, like Denzelle Carter, frustrated.

"Is it going to be open? Is it going to be closed? What is happening with my kid's education," she said.

If the plan is passed in the state budget, Hempstead would get a one-time $24 million payout to bridge a $30 million budget deficit, which would keep the doors at David Paterson open.

"This is not final,” said Pratt. “The state and the Assembly still need to reach an agreement on the final state budget."

Carter says she and other parents just want answers in case they need to start making plans about where to send their children next year.

"We need a straight answer,” she said. “I know finances can constantly fluctuate. At least try and give us a straight answer on what is an alternative to where our children will be at?"

Lawmakers in Albany have a deadline of April 1 to reach an agreement on this year's budget