Increases the qualifications for school business officials

2 Co-sponsors

• James S. Alesi
• Thomas P. Morahan

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to increasing the qualifications for school district business officials

Purpose or general idea of bill

To increase the qualification requirements for school business officials in order to ensure fiscal accountability within school districts.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 amends the Education Law by adding a new §2116-d. The new section:

* requires school boards and BOCES to employ a certified school business leader.

* stipulates that any employment contract of a school official responsible for the business operation of the school district require continuing education in accounting or finance and professional development courses approved by the commissioner.

* clarifies that only certified school district business leaders are eligible for BOCES aid.

Section 2 amends §3003 of the Education Law, by amending subdivision 5 of §3003 and adding a new subdivision 6. It establishes certification requirements for school business officials, which include:

* at least twenty-four semester hours of graduate courses in accounting and/or finance;

* successful completion of an examination to assess the candidate's knowledge in basic budgeting and accounting principles and state and federal regulations relating to school finance;

* and the completion of an internship that includes full-time experience at least fifteen weeks in duration.

This section also:

* authorizes the commissioner to waive the coursework and internship requirements for candidates who prove to be exceptionally qualified.

* requires the commissioner to establish continuing education requirements for certified school business leaders.

Section 3 establishes the effective date of the first of July next succeeding the date on which this act shall have become law.

Justification

New York State's taxpayers invest nearly $40 billion per year for education in New York State. The state's investment in education is significant, both in purpose and in size. In fact, the U.S. Census Bureau ranked New York State as the 2 state in per pupil spending. According to the U.S. Census Bureau New York State spends an average of $12,981 per pupil, over $4,000 above the national average. At the same time, adequacy in education has become increasingly reliant on efficiency in spending. As rising labor and energy costs squeeze school districts' discretionary funds, school business officials play a greater role in a district's ability to advance innovative programs. It is important to ensure that school district funds are managed by qualified individuals. New York taxpayers make a significant investment in public education. Any laxity in regulating the management of school finances, places student achievement and public trust at risk.

Prior legislative history

Included in Part H, §34 and §45, of Budget Article VII bill A.9558 of2006. The Budget Article VII bill was amended and signed Chapter 58 of2006, devoid of this proposal. 2007-08: Senate Education Committee

Fiscal implications

This bill would have minimal to no fiscal impact on the state. It might result in an initial increase in personnel costs to school districts as a result of these enhanced qualifications. However, the increased fiscal expertise could result in long run savings to school districts and taxpayers.

Effective date

July next succeeding the date on which this act shall have become law.