Relates to extending the effectiveness of provisions of law relating to the New York city school district; creates the NYC school district inspector

1 Co-sponsor

• Carl L. Marcellino

Title of bill

An act to amend chapter 91 of the laws of 2002, amending the education law and other laws relating to reorganization of the New York city school construction authority, board of education and community boards, in relation to the effectiveness thereof; to amend chapter 345 of the laws of 2009, amending the education law and other laws relating to the New York city board of education, chancellor, community councils and community superintendents, in relation to the effectiveness thereof; to amend the education law, in relation to the New York city school district system; and providing for the repeal of certain provisions upon expiration thereof (Part A); to amend the education law, in relation to teacher certification in public charter schools (Part B); to amend the education law, in relation to documentation demonstrating a school district has fully implemented standards and procedures for conducting annual teacher and principal evaluations; and to amend chapter 53 of the laws of 2016, enacting the aid to localities budget, in relation to making additional appropriations therein (Part C)

Purpose

This bill establishes a one-year extension of mayoral control of New York City schools and creates additional procedures to ensure transparency of school operations and accountability of the officials responsible for the schools, promote the success of charter schools, and allow districts additional time to negotiate APPR plans.

Summary of provisions

Part A provides for a 1 year extension of mayoral control in New York City while also implementing reforms designed to increase parental engagement, transparency, and fiscal accountability.

Part B allows charter schools to employ uncertified teachers for a period of three years if such schools have a teacher training program in place and allows charters to switch their authorizing entity.

Part C allows districts that have failed to meet the APPR plan submission by September I. 2016 to submit their plans to SED for approval up to December 31, 2016 in order to not have any aid taken from the districts.

Justification

The current system of mayoral control in New York City is set to expire June 30, 2016. Extending mayoral control for one year will ensure progress is made, especially for schools with the greatest need for assistance, and allow the Legislature to re-examine the issue of extending mayoral control after such progress has been demonstrated.

While there have been gains made under mayoral control in totality since its enactment in 2002, there is a need for greater transparency in relation to the distribution of state, local and federal funding. Across the State, the distribution of funding for individual schools is maintained in an open and accessible manner. This transparency provides a level of accountability that ensures New York State's struggling schools are adequately funded. A more targeted understanding of how state, local, and federal resources are allocated is necessary to assist individuals schools. Extending transparency to New York City schools will provide the same kind of accountability that exists in the rest of the state.

Additionally, provisions have been added to allow charter schools to function at a high level, free from unnecessary regulations, so they can continue to provide students with school choice. Finally, no district should be penalized because parties could not come to an agreement on an APPR plan in time, increasing the amount of time for negotiations will help ensure students are not penalized during the negotiation and ratification process.

Legislative history

New Bill.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately