Relates to building aid for reconstruction or modernizing projects of the Rochester joint schools construction board

2 Co-sponsors

• Rich Funke
• Michael H. Ranzenhofer

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to building aid for reconstruction or modernizing projects of the Rochester joint schools construction board

Purpose

For the purpose of making the most efficient use of resources and to maximize the educational benefit of the reconstruction and modernization of Rochester City School District (RCSD) buildings pursuant to chapter 533 of the laws of 2014, this bill would authorize two multi-year cost allowances in a five-year period for eight projects for the computation of Building Aid. In consideration of this authorization, additional multi-year cost allowances could not be reset for effected buildings for a period of ten-years after establishment of the first maximum cost allowance authorized by this bill.

Summary of provisions

Section one of the bill amends paragraph (a) of subdivision 6 of section 3602 of the education law by adding a new subparagraph 6 to such paragraph (a) to provide that not more than eight projects related to the reconstruction or modernization of school buildings in the RCSD pursuant to the provisions of chapter 533 shall be permitted to utilize two multi-year cost allowances in a five-year period. The new subparagraph 6 also provides that subsequent multi-year cost allowances may not be established for a period of ten-years from the date of the first multiyear cost allowance authorized by this subparagraph.

Section 2 of the bill provides that the act shall take effect immediately.

Justification

Chapter 533 of the laws of 2014 authorized Phase II of the RCSD Facilities Modernization Program (FMP) at a cost of $435 million. From their Phase I experience, the RCSD and the Rochester Joint School Construction Board have learned how to most efficiently use limited resources, deliver completed projects in a timely manner and minimize disruption to the educational experience of students during construction. They have applied this experience in developing the Phase II Strategic Plan.

The State utilizes multi-year cost allowances when calculating Building Aid for eligible capital projects. Once a district has reached its maximum cost allowance (MCA) for a particular project, additional state contribution is not available for a period of five-years. This particular limitation has an adverse impact on the efficient execution of the RCSD FMP, increases the costs of these projects, restricts the use of limited resources and unnecessarily disrupts the academic process.

The current RCSD FMP Phase II Strategic Plan includes 13 projects but can only be achieved if eight of the projects are provided with two multi-year cost allowances, which would be authorized pursuant to this bill. If this variance is not provided, fewer schools will be fully renovated in Phase II and full utilization of the $435 million would require a larger number of projects that are significantly narrower in scope. As such, the long-term soft costs and disruption to students would be increased with the need to complete full renovations at certain schools over the course of many years in additional FMP phases.

Legislative history

None.

Fiscal implications

No additional cost to the State.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.