Requires private schools to provide to the commissioner of education copies of certain documents prior to receipt of apportionment funds or a Basis Educational Data System code

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to requiring private schools to provide to the commissioner of education copies of their current certificate of occupancy and most recent fire safety report prior to receipt of apportionment funds or a Basis Educational Data System code

Purpose

The bill will require certain documents that demonstrate the safety of school buildings prior to the issuance of a registration code that entitles private schools to certain apportionment and grants.

Summary of provisions

Section one of the bill amends the education law by adding a new section 409-1 as it relates to nonpublic school building requirements. Prior to the state education department issuing a Basic Education Data System codes (BEDS), the non-public school shall submit valid copies of a certificate of incorporation, a certificate of occupancy, a recent fire safety report, statement of maximum capacity and a list of other registered non public schools at the same address.

All current non-public schools with a BEDS code must submit all of these documents to the state education department prior to December 31, 2016.

Section two of the bill relates to the effective date.

Justification

This bill requires verification that all private schools receiving a form of apportionment are operating in safe buildings. These requirements will provide the commissioner of education with an assurance that students are learning in a safe and code compliant building.

Legislative history

2014 - S. 7292 - Education Committee /A. 8621a - Ways and Means.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

Immediate.