Establishes the New York state office of religious and independent schools establishment act

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to the state office of religious and independent schools establishment act

Purpose

Establishes in the State Education Department an office for religious and independent schools to coordinate the enforcement of standards and administration of programs for such schools

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 creates Article 12-B which establishes in the State Education Department an office for religious and independent schools. Section 2 sets the effective date immediately provided that rules and regulations are promulgated and take effect i8o days after the effective date.

Justification

There are several state and federal programs designed to provide resources to support students who attend religious or independent schools as well as several statutes designed to maintain certain standards within such schools. Administration of these programs and enforcement of statutes and standards, however, often falls on local school districts and municipalities and increases their administrative burden. An office in the State Education Department would be more efficient and effective.

In addition, the newly reauthorized federal elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) requires each state education agency to identify an Ombudsman to monitor and enforce the equitable participation provisions of the federal law and administer services directly or through contracts if local school districts cannot provide such services according to federal standards. An office of religious and independent schools can help New York State comply with these new federal provisions.

An office of religious and independent schools will help ensure that the state's religious and independent schools remain integrally connected to the Regents' efforts to prepare all students for college and careers. Furthermore, it will help ensure efficient and effective administration of federal and state programs specific to students and teachers at such schools. This office can also provide the mechanism for coordinating enforcement of standards including those related to academics and facilities. This will reduce the administrative burden imposed on local public school districts.

Legislative history

A.8043/S.5253-A(2013)

Fiscal implications

To be determined

Effective date

Immediately provided that rules and regulations promulgated for implementation take effect 180 days after enactment into law.