Directs the commissioner of education for the state of New York to revamp the structure of school districts statewide; and to repeal various provisions of the education law relating thereto

Summary of specific provision

Section 1: Sets forth the legislative finding and declaration

Section 2: The commissioner of the New York state department of education shall establish and implement a new school district system such that there are 62 school districts in New York state. School districts located in a city with a population of one million or more shall be exempt.

Section 3: Within 1 year of the effective date the commissioner shall submit a report proposing implementing legislation to effect and fund the consolidation of school districts.

Section 4: Repeals Article 33 of title II of the education law - Common School districts.

Section 5: Repeals Article 35 of title II of the education law - Union Free School Districts

Section 6: Repeals Article 37 of title II of the education law - Central School Districts

Section 7: Repeals Article 39 of title II of the education law - Central High School Districts

Section 8: Repeals Article 51 of title II of the education law - City School Districts of Cities with less than 125,000 inhabitants

Section 9: Repeals Article 52 of title II of the education law - City School Districts of Cities with 125,000 inhabitants or more

Section 10: Repeals Article 53 of title II of the education law - School Elections in City School Districts of Cities with less than 125,000 Inhabitants.

Section 11: This Act shall take effect on the 365th day after it shall have become a law

Justification

New York's public schools are required to prepare all students to successfully excel in today's global economy. Currently New York spends more money per student than any other state in the nation but

ranks 39th in high school graduation rates. Ensuring that each school district meets the needs of each and every student is a daunting task. New York has struggled with the ongoing process of reorganizing our school district system in a way that provides a solution to the negative effects of declining school enrollment, broadens the scope of program offerings, facilitates optimum class scheduling, increases professional resources, and alleviates heavy tax burden. This bill directs the commissioner of education to reorganize the school districts in a manner that addresses the needs of each and every student.

Small school districts, which are typically not wealthy have difficulty providing the scope of educational programs and variety of opportunities which are available in larger districts. If student enrollment drops in these districts, the district is often forced to choose between a reduction in programs offered or an increase in local property taxes. Reorganizing these types of school districts into a larger district will allow the school district to provide a broader choice of subjects offered, reduce operational costs, increase the probability that teachers will serve in their area of expertise and allow for necessary upgrades to facilities. This in turn will result in better educated students who can compete in the global economy.

Additionally, the reorganization of school districts will result in a more cost-effective administrative organization and eliminate redundancy in facilities, supplies, and equipment.

Prior legislative history

2013-14: S5226 - Referred to education

Fiscal implications

Unknown

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the three hundred sixty-fifth day after it shall have become law.