Relates to the takeover and restructuring of struggling and persistently struggling schools

2 Co-sponsors

• John J. Flanagan
• Susan Serino

BILL NUMBER:S4921

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to the takeover and restructuring of struggling schools

Purpose

This bill will provide that any schools eligible for an appointment of an external receiver would be designated as "struggling" or "persistent- ly struggling" schools instead of "failing" or "persistently failing" schools.

Summary of provisions

Section one of the bill would amend subpart H of part EE of Chapter 56 of the Laws of 2015 in order to provide that those schools which would be eligible for appointment of an external receiver shall be designated as "struggling" or "persistently struggling" schools, instead of the current designation of "failing" or "persistently failing."

Justification

Chapter 56 of the Laws of 2015 designates schools that are eligible for appointment of an external receiver to be labeled as "failing" or "persistently failing." However, this is an inappropriate and demeaning term which is unfair to the affected communities, teachers and students.

These schools have suffered from years of chronic underperformance and underfunding, which have resulted in these schools being placed in a negative accountability status. Chapter 56 of the Laws of 2015 provides an opportunity for the current superintendent or Chancellor of these schools to obtain additional powers for a one or two year period to assist in turning these schools around, as well as $7.5 million in fund- ing to assist schools that have been on the list of most underperforming schools over the last ten years.

These schools are located in our highest needs districts and serve a large number of students with disabilities and English language lear- ners, as well as students living in poverty. The stigma of being labeled as a failing or persistently failing school only further perpetuates the issues and difficulties these schools face. By changing the designation status from failing and persistently failing to struggling and persis- tently struggling, this bill indicates that this is a temporary situ- ation for these schools which can be addressed and overcome, and that additional management powers and funding will be associated with such schools in order to improve their overall academic performance in order to be removed from their more negative accountability status.

Legislative history

New bill. Amends Chapter 56 of the Laws of 2015

Fiscal implications

None

Effective date

Immediate