Caps school district administrative costs at three percent of such school district's total budget

BILL NUMBER:S1509

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to capping the level of expenditures by school districts for central administration

Purpose

This legislation would cap school district administrative costs at three percent of such school district's total budget.

Summary of provisions

Amends Section 2 of the New York State Education Law by adding a new subdivision 25 and adds a new section 1510-a to cap school district administrative costs at three percent of such school district's total budget.

Central administration services will not include teacher salaries, transportation services or capitol costs.

Justification

As the economy continues to struggle, school districts must create sound fiscal plans that insure that the students receive the best possible classroom experience. Students and teachers need resources that will allow them to prepare for the future. To find savings by cutting the in-classroom spending while maintaining the bloated administrative bureaucracy is a mistake. A mistake school districts can no longer afford to make.

Too much of our school budgets are going to the administrative side of the equation. A look at any school staff listing will reveal a myriad of titles and positions that do not directly impact the kids. This legislation will require our schools to limit their spending on administrative costs to 3% of their total budget. This legislation will guarantee the resources provided to school districts will be spent where they are needed the most, in the classroom

Legislative history

S.6152 of 2012.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.