What's happening
This bill updates rules for Boards of Cooperative Educational Services, expanding eligible services and allowing contracts with charter schools.
Why it matters
Expands the range of services. Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) can provide, allowing both aidable and non-aidable services, which could enable districts to access a broader, more flexible menu of educational and support offerings.
Establishes clear criteria for new services. by requiring the state commissioner to develop regulations that prioritize cost savings, efficient resource use (like facilities), regional needs, and expanded opportunities for students—including those with disabilities—which could improve value and equity in service delivery.
Allows BOCES to contract directly with charter schools. for the first time, potentially increasing collaboration and resource sharing between traditional public schools and charter schools, which may lead to new educational options and efficiencies.
Shifts focus from strictly academic or credit-bearing services. to a broader set of benefits, such as workforce preparation and societal participation, reflecting a more holistic approach to student development and regional educational needs.
Albany, before your first meeting.
Every bill that moved yesterday, summarized in a sentence and ranked by impact. The Albany Scorecard follows on Sundays.
Free. Unsubscribe in one click. Want alerts on specific bills? Create an account.
Who cares
Headline styles
Expand School Service Contracts
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to education
- Referred to education
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
3777
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 27, 2017
Introduced by Sen. MARCELLINO -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Education
AN ACT to amend the education law, in relation to the powers and duties of boards of cooperative educational services
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Subparagraph 1 of paragraph d of subdivision 4 of section 1950 of the education law, as amended by chapter 474 of the laws of 1996, is amended to read as follows:
(1) [Aidable shared services] Cooperative Services (COSERS). (i) At the request of two or more component school districts, and with the approval of the commissioner, provide any of the following aidable cooperative services [on a cooperative basis] (COSERS): school nurse teacher, attendance supervisor, supervisor of teachers, dental hygienist, psychologist, teachers of art, music, physical education, career education subjects, guidance counsellors, operation of special classes for students with disabilities, as such term is defined in article eightynine 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 aidable or nonaidable 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.
(ii) The commissioner shall by regulation establish the process for considering and approving aidable and nonaidable cooperative services (COSERS). Such regulations shall establish criteria to be applied by the
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD06153-01-7
S. 3777 2
commissioner in approving proposed COSERS. Such criteria shall include: consideration of the potential for participant school districts to achieve cost savings or to utilize resources, including facilities, more efficiently; need for such services within the local area or region to be served; the opportunities for students, including those with disabilities, to earn credit for academic subjects; the opportunities for students to be prepared to participate in society or the workforce; and any other matters which would encourage and foster cooperation.
§ 2. Paragraph h of subdivision 4 of section 1950 of the education law is amended by adding two new subparagraphs 12 and 13 to read as follows:
(12) To enter into contracts as necessary to carry out the purposes of the board of cooperative educational services as outlined in this section.
(13) To enter into contracts with charter schools authorized by article fifty-six of this chapter, to provide services as authorized by this section.
§ 3. Subparagraph 2 of paragraph bb of subdivision 4 of section 1950 of the education law, as added by chapter 53 of the laws of 1984, is amended to read as follows:
(2) The commissioner may approve such programs and services as cooperative services (COSERS) as provided by subparagraph one of paragraph d of this subdivision only if they (a) are requested by two or more component school districts; and (b) [will provide additional opportunities for pupils; (c)] will be expected to result in a cost savings to the two or more component school districts requesting the programs and services[; (d) will provide greater opportunity for pupils, including those with handicapping conditions, to earn credit for academic subjects and (e) will insure a greater or more appropriate use of facilities by boards of cooperative educational services].
§ 4. This act shall take effect immediately.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the education law, in relation to the powers and duties of boards of cooperative educational services
Purpose
To direct the Commissioner to establish a process for approval of aidable and nonaidable cooperative services (COSERS). This bill also authorizes boards of cooperative educational services (BOCES) to enter into contracts as necessary for corporate purposes and allows charter schools to contract with BOCES.
Summary of provisions
Section 1: This section would require that the Commissioner establish, by regulation, a process for approval of aidable and non-aidable cooperative services (COSERS). This process would require an evaluation of the potential cost savings, efficiencies in facilities use, enhancement of educational opportunities, local and regional needs, and other matters that would enhance the opportunities of COSER services regionally. These regulations are not intended to preclude BOCES from entering into inter-municipal agreements as otherwise authorized by law, but rather to establish a more comprehensive, consistent, and transparent process. In addition, this section makes a technical amendment, which makes consistent references to BOCES COSER agreements in law.
Section 2: Authorizes BOCES to enter into contracts as necessary to carry out the purposes of BOCES, as well as enter into contracts with charter schools.
Section 3: This language makes an additional technical amendment that makes consistent references to BOCES COSER agreements in law.
Section 4: Provides the effective date.
Justification
BOCES is uniquely positioned to deliver greater cooperation and efficiencies throughout New York State. Both the New York State Commission on Property Tax Relief and the Commission on Local Government Efficiency and Competitiveness have underscored this fact. Each Commission points to BOCES as a proven vehicle for achieving greater efficiencies statewide.
This bill would direct the Commissioner to establish the criteria for aidable and non-aidable COSER's in order to provide more guidance to BOCES with regard to entering into contracts with municipalities, school districts, and various other organizations to provide services in a more cost-effective manner.
Prior legislative history
2016: S.6510 Education 2015: S.5588 Education
Fiscal implications
No fiscal implications for the State. This bill may allow for savings by individual school districts and charter schools.
Effective date
This bill shall take effect immediately
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.