Directs the commissioner of education to re-classify the Canton central school district as a high need-rural category

BILL NUMBER:S3331

Title of bill

An act to direct the commissioner of education to re-classify the Canton central school district as a high need-rural category

Purpose

This bill directs the Commissioner of the New York State Education Department to re-classify the Canton Central School District, using the 2010 Census Data, as a high need-rural category school.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 provides that for the calculation of state aid under Article 73 of the Education Law, the Commissioner of Education shall re-classify the Canton Central School District as a high need-rural category school, based upon the 2010 Census Data.

Section 2 provides the effective date.

Justification

The Canton Central School District experienced a reduction in funds of nearly $4,500.00 per pupil from the Gap Elimination Adjustment for school years 2010-2011, 2011-2012 and 2012-2013. Estimates indicated the Gap Elimination Adjustment for the Canton Central School District during the 2013-2014 school year, were reduced by approximately $1,400.00 per pupil. These reductions are among the highest in the State. The Canton Central School District does not have the capacity to offset the disproportionate and devastating effects of reduced state aid.

Currently, the State Education Department is using the 2000 Census Data for the purposes of calculating state aid. This data is nearly fifteen years old and does not reflect the current demographic and economic climate of the Canton Central School District. By directing the Commissioner of Education to use the 2010 Census Data for the calculation of state aid, a more accurate and current formula reflecting the present realities of the Canton Central School District will be produced. Re-classifying the Canton Central School District as a high need-rural category school would also benefit the district because this classification would alleviate the reductions effecting the District because of the Gap Elimination Adjustment.

Supporting the education of New York State's children is one of the most important functions of the State Government. It is imperative that the State Education Department use accurate and current data in the calculation of state aid formulas. Every district should receive the appropriate amount of funding in order to best support the education of the children in their community. This legislation achieves that objective and should be enacted immediately.

Legislative history

2013-2014: S.4262 - Referred to Education

Fiscal implications

Minimal to the State.

Effective date

This act will take effect immediately.