Authorizes boards of education to enter into cooperative contracts

BILL NUMBER:S2765

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to educa- tion cooperative contracts

Summary of provisions

SECTION 1 - amends section 1709 of the Education Law to add a new subdivision 43. This new paragraph will allow the Board of Education to enter into cooperative contracts with other school districts, counties, municipalities the state or divisions or agencies of the state for any service that these other public entities are currently providing.

SECTION 2 - provides that this act shall take effect immediately.

Purpose and justification

School districts across the state are under increasing fiscal pressure as costs rise and demands for services increase. Taxpayers are already buried under high real property taxes, and increasing these taxes should not be an option. The state is no longer in a position to increase school aid. School districts must be given more options to find ways to operate more efficiently and cut costs. This bill will allow school districts to enter into cooperative agreements with other public entities to share contracts for goods or services when such agreements will result in savings to the district.

Existing law

School districts have limited ability to contract for services with some other public entities.

Prior legislative history

2012 - S.4123 -- FINANCE 2011 - S.4123 -- PASSED SENATE 2010 - S.6670 -- EDUCATION

Fiscal implications

It is anticipated that there will be substantial savings to school districts, there are no costs for the state.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.