Relates to making English as a second language teachers an aidable shared service

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to making English as a second language teachers an aidable shared service

Purpose

To make English as a second language teachers an aidable shared service

Summary of provisions

Section 1 amends § 1950(4)(d)(1) of the Education Law, to add English as a second language to the list of services that may be provided on a cooperative basis when requested by component school districts accompanied with the approval of the commissioner of Education.

Section 2 provides the effective date.

Existing law

Section 1950 of the Education Law establishes the Boards of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES). Subdivision (4) of this section provides the powers and duties of BOCES, including aidable shared services, pursuant to paragraph (d)(1) of subdivision 4 of this section.

Subparagraph (1) of paragraph (d) of subdivision (4) of Section 1950 of the Education Law provides, At the request of component school districts, and with the approval of the commissioner, provide any of the following services on a cooperative basis: school nurse teacher, attendance supervisor, supervisor of teachers, dental hygienist, psychologist, teachers of art, music, physical education, career education subjects, guidance counselors, operation of special classes for students with disabilities, as such term is defined in article eighty-nine of this chapter; pupil and financial accounting service by means of mechanical equipment; maintenance and operation of cafeteria or restaurant service for the use of pupils and teachers while at school, and such other services as the commissioner may approve. Such cafeteria or restaurant service may be used by the community for school related functions and activities and to furnish meals to the elderly residents of the district, sixty years of age or older. Utilization by elderly residents or school related groups shall be subject to the approval of the board of education. Charges shall be sufficient to bear the direct cost of preparation and serving of such meals, exclusive of any other available reimbursements. Currently, English as a second language is not included on the list of aidable share services provided by the subparagraph quoted above.

Justification

While English as a second language programs-known as "ESL" programs-exist in most urban and many larger suburban districts, they are also increasingly needed in rural and smaller districts. In particular, in communities located near military installations, like Fort Drum, which attract a diverse population of families from all across the nation, these programs are being created to meet our responsibilities to provide a quality education for students of every background, and also to provide support for the families of men and women of our Armed Force who sacrifice and serve to protect our freedom.

In many of these cases, ESL programs may only be required for a small number of children, but they still require a significant local expense for staff, training and other needs that are not currently covered by existing state education aid formulas. By adding ESL teachers to the list of "aidable shared services," we can help districts that do not have services for non-English speaking students better manage costs associated with needing to provide the education necessary for all young learners of every background to succeed.

Legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the first July next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law.