In relation to establishing regional secondary schools

BILL NUMBER:S4442

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to the establishment of regional secondary schools

Purpose

This legislation relates to the establishment of regional secondary schools.

Summary of provisions

Section 1. Legislative Intent

Section 2. Amends the Education Law by adding a new Article 39-A relating to the establishment of regional secondary schools in counties with a population of one million four hundred thousand inhabitants or greater according to the 2010 decennial census, excluding counties located within a city with a population of one million inhabitants or more. Provides for the establishment of a regional secondary school operated by a Board of Education and a Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), sets forth guidelines for state aid, and requires the creation a regional secondary school advisory committee for regional secondary schools established under the provisions of this act.

Section 3. Amends Subdivision 4 of § 1950 of the Education Law by adding a new paragraph oo allowing a BOCES to enter into an agreement with two or more eligible school districts to form a regional secondary school to be operated by BOCES and shall have the same powers and duties with respect to regional secondary schools as the board of education of a union free school district has with respect to its schools, consistent with the terms of its agreement with the participating school districts.

Section 4. Amends Paragraph h of Subdivision 4 of § 1950 of the Education Law by adding three new subparagraphs 12, 13 and 14 relating to regional secondary school established under this act: provides for the ability to enter into contracts necessary for operation; the development of a core curriculum for students; and allows for the issuance of regents and other high school diplomas to graduating students.

Section 5. Paragraph b of Subdivision 4 of § 1950 of the Education Law is amended by adding a new subparagraph 8 relating to the preparation and presentation of tentative budget for operating a regional secondary by a BOCES.

Section 6. Effective Date.

Justification

Because of today's current fiscal climate, many school districts, particularly small districts, are threatened by a decline in educational opportunities and programs for their students. School

districts are seeking new models of delivering services to students that are more effective and efficient in order to sustain or enhance the quality of services and to maintain or expand the scope of services offered to students.

Many high schools in the State are experiencing financial limitations that may impair the ability to offer students the same range or quality of courses that other high schools may provide. In order to assure that these districts continue to offer their students advanced coursework, districts should be afforded the opportunity to establish a regional secondary school. Districts would be able to streamline programs and services, increase resources, and increase their purchasing power through shared services, These cost saving will allow money to flow into educational programs and services for students which will, in turn will improve student performance.This pilot program, which would be implemented in Suffolk County, is necessary to help determine the efficacy of the regional secondary school in providing greater educational opportunities for fewer costs.

Legislative history

2015: New Legislation

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect July 1, 2015, provided that if this act becomes a law after such date, it shall take effective immediately and be deemed to have been in full force and effect on and after July 1, 2015.