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Who cares
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Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Print number 5561a
- Amend and recommit to education
- Referred to education
- Referred to education
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the education law, in relation to charter school access to unused school facilities, property or land
Purpose
To provide the right of first refusal to charter schools in relation to unused school facilities, properties or land.
Summary of provisions
Section 1-Creates a right of first refusal for charter schools for unused school property, requires a public and transparent process, authorizes a municipality, school district, board of education or city to negotiate agreements for maintenance and other costs with a charter school, requires a charter school to being using the building or buildings in question within one year with certain exceptions and describes the process for termination of use.
Section 2-Sets forth the effective date
Justification
Currently about 25,000 students attend charter schools in upstate New York and that demand continues to grow. One of the biggest challenges facing charter schools is a lack of available and affordable space, especially space that is accessible and appropriate in order to best facilitate student learning and growth. In Rochester for example, 22% of school buildings are empty, and could easily be repurposed for use by charter schools. Charter schools exist to provide parents a choice in their children's education. When public school space is vacant and available it provides a unique opportunity for those buildings to continue to be used for their intended purpose under the auspices of a Charter School. Charter schools are not at present eligible for building aid, and therefore it seems appropriate at minimum to ensure that they have access to unused school space. Charter Schools exist to provide parents with choice as it relates to their children's education and future. That choice should not be limited especially when available space exists and is instead lying vacant.
Legislative history
New Bill
Fiscal implications
None
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.