Requires a statement setting forth the total expenditures made by each school district in the regents' annual report to the governor and the legislature

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to including special education expenditures in the regents' annual report to the governor and the legislature

Purpose

This legislation requires a statement setting forth the total expenditures made by each school district in the regents' annual report to the governor and the legislature.

Summary of provisions

Section 215-a of the education law is amended by adding a new subdivision 3 to require a statement setting forth the total expenditures made by each school district in the regents annual report to the governor and the legislature.

Justification

School districts continue to struggle with the costs associated with education special education students. Some districts have claimed that their special education costs exceed 20% of their total budget.

Under current law, there is no requirement for the school districts to compile their actual special education costs not covered by State or Federal aid. This legislation would require such information to be collected and would provide valuable insight into the costs of special education in New York State. Once compiled, the State would have a better understanding of the impact of special education costs on local school district budgets and the effect on the taxpayer.

Legislative history

S.6938 of 2008 (Passed Senate)

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.