Establishes the Hudson School of Math, Science and Engineering Regional Technology Institute; provides governing board powers and duties

Summary of provisions

Section 1 establishes the legislative intent.

Section 2 establishes definitions of terms for "Orange-Ulster BOCES", "Ulster BOCES", "Hudson School of Math, Science & Engineering Regional Technology Institute", as well as, the "Board".

Section 3 authorizes the Orange-Ulster BOCES and Ulster BOCES to jointly operate an educational program to be known as the Hudson School of Math, Science & Engineering Regional Technology Institute, and sets forth the terms for which the Institute will operate. It also states that the Institute shall be operated pursuant to an inter-municipal sharing agreement pursuant to section 119-0 to the General Municipal Law. It also authorizes the creation of an operational board consisting of eight members (4 from each BOCES).

Section 3 also authorizes the creation of an Advisory Council consisting of area business leaders. The advisory council can advise on the means of providing educational experience relating to emerging technologies, project based learning and collaboration and course of study.

Section 4 of the bill sets forth the powers and duties of the Board such as prescribing a full time course of study, contracting with/and employ administrative officers as deemed necessary, contracting with private for profit and not-for-profit entities, determining the school calendar and proposing an annual school budget.

Section 5 of the bill sets forth the general requirements such as the annual budget of the institute shall be subject to the approval of the governing board of the Orange-Ulster and Ulster BOCES, when and to whom the budget shall be submitted. Provides that each BOCES Board must pass the budget or the budget automatically becomes the prior year's budget subject to changes relating to pension payment requirements. The Commissioner of Education also must approve the budget.

Section 6 of the bill states that the employees of the institute shall be subject to the rules of the Board of Regents and that they are public employees.

Section 7 of the bill relates to the eligibility of students for admission.

Section 8 of the bill requires the Board to establish in its municipal sharing agreement a methodology for the apportionment of operational and administrative costs including Capital costs between the Orange-Ulster BOCES and the allocation of non component school districts located within the area served by either BOCES. Subdivision 2 of this section authorizes the Commissioner of Education to approve the educational services and programs deemed necessary to carry out the Institute as aidable shared services pursuant to the Education Law and to approve cooperative services agreements.

Section 9 of the bill states any lease entered into pursuant to this act in excess of ten years shall be subject to the approval of the qualified voters of the component districts within the area served.

Section 10 of the bill allows students whose geographic proximity to the Institute make it possible to attend and allows the Board to elect to formally expand its service area.

Section 11 of this bill states that all component school districts of Orange-Ulster BOCES and Ulster BOCES shall be deemed to participate in the Institute and shall be eligible to have students enroll in the Institute and shall share in the costs of the Institute as set forth in this act.

Section 12 of the bill sets the effective date.

Existing law

Provides for a Technology based high school in the Albany area as well as the New York City area.

Justification

The establishment of the Hudson Valley high school is a necessary component to the development of the greater Mid-Hudson region of New York State and a necessary link to fostering the development and advancement of emerging technologies. This school will advance the interests of the Mid-Hudson region and New York State by engaging students in rigorous and enriching educational experiences focused on emerging technologies. project based learning, collaboration and providing that experience in advanced technical facilities.

A similar school, Tech Valley High School, now operates to serve the children of the capital region. There are technology based schools in New York City. The two BOCES organizations involved here have endorsed this plan and the area business community has expressed its support for it.

Legislative history

S.3184 of 2009: Referred to Education S.669 of 2007: Passed Senate, Referred to Education in Assembly S.8087 of 2006: Passed Senate, Referred to Education in Assembly

Fiscal implications

The State Education Department has estimated costs of $100,000 for the first year (after passage of this legislation) rising to $9.7 million in operating costs during the fifth year after the legislation's passage.

Local fiscal implications

This will vary based on the BOCES formula. It is a reasonable estimate to believe that local costs will be between 40% and 60% of the total annual operating cost.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.