What's happening
This bill directs the commissioner of education to reclassify the Canton central school district as a high need-rural district for state aid purposes.
Why it matters
Reclassifying Canton central school district as "high need-rural" could significantly increase its eligibility for state education aid. , potentially providing more resources for students, teachers, and programs in the district.
This change acknowledges that the district faces unique financial and demographic challenges typical of rural, high-need areas. , which may not have been adequately addressed under its previous classification.
Using the 2010 census and the state’s need/resource capacity index as a basis for reclassification ensures that aid distribution better reflects current realities. , which could set a precedent for other districts seeking similar reconsiderations.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Reclassify Canton School District
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to education
- Referred to education
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
4355
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
February 10, 2017
Introduced by Sen. RITCHIE -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Education
AN ACT to direct the commissioner of education to re-classify the Canton central school district as a high need-rural category
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, rule or regulation, for the purposes of the calculation of state aid under article 73 of the education law, based on 2010 census data, the commissioner of education shall re-classify the Canton central school district as a high need-rural category as defined by such commissioner based upon the need/resource capacity index applicable to such school districts.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD09897-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to direct the commissioner of education to re-classify the Canton central school district as a high need-rural category
Purpose
This bill directs the Commissioner of the New York State Education Department to re-classify the Canton Central School District, using the 2010 Census Data, as a high need-rural category school.
Summary of provisions
Section 1 provides that for the calculation of state aid under Article 73 of the Education Law, the Commissioner of Education shall re-classify the Canton Central School District as a high need-rural category school, based upon the 2010 Census Data.
Section 2 provides the effective date.
Justification
The Canton Central School District experienced a reduction in funds of nearly $4,500.00 per pupil from the Gap Elimination Adjustment for school years 2010-2011, 2011-2012 and 2012-2013. Estimates indicated the Gap Elimination Adjustment for the Canton Central School District during the 2013-2014 school year, were reduced by approximately $1,400.00 per pupil. These reductions are among the highest in the State. The Canton Central School District does not have the capacity to offset the disproportionate and devastating effects of reduced state aid.
Currently, the State Education Department is using the 2000 Census Data for the purposes of calculating state aid. This data is nearly fifteen years old and does not reflect the current demographic and economic climate of the Canton Central School District. By directing the Commissioner of Education to use the 2010 Census Data for the calculation of state aid, a more accurate and current formula reflecting the present realities of the Canton Central School District will be produced. Re-classifying the Canton Central School District as a high need-rural category school would also benefit the district because this classification would alleviate the reductions effecting the District because of the Gap Elimination Adjustment. Supporting the education of New York State's children is one of the most important functions of the State Government. It is imperative that the State Education Department use accurate and current data in the calculation of state aid formulas. Every district should receive the appropriate amount of funding in order to best support the education of the children in their community. This legislation achieves that objective and should be enacted immediately.
Legislative history
2015-2016: S.3331-Referred to Education 2013-2014: S.4262 - Referred to Education
Fiscal implications
Minimal to the State.
Effective date
This act will take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.