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June 2004 Vol. XVIII, No. 4    

STATE
BUDGET
UPDATE

SENATE FLEES ALBANY-ASSEMBLY NOT FAR BEHIND

 

The regular legislative session for 2004  ended for the NYS Senate on Tuesday night, June 22nd, as planned.  Not much else went as planned , however, as most of the crucial issues facing the senior chamber were left unresolved, including the 2004-05 state budget, education finance reform and the reform of the Rockefeller drug laws. The Assembly remained for one extra day to finish action on its list of mostly ‘one House’ bills, after which it too will leave the capital with much undone.

 

Nevertheless, both Houses promise to return to work in the event there is agreement on the state budget or on other major bills, and will have to return by August 1st when the latest continuing resolution for the support of government runs out.

 

Some progress was made at the last minute on a few issues of interest to small city schools. For example, the McEneny/Flanagan bill, A.406-B/S.4772-A, which makes transportation of children through child safety zones an aidable expense, passed on the 22nd. If signed by the Governor this bill could have a positive effect on a number of small city districts’ bottom lines.

 

The Canestrari/Kuhl bill, A.10323/S.2504, which would allow small city districts to deduct building aid from the computation of the constitutional debt ceiling, passed in the Assembly and is in the Rules Committee in the Senate. Assuming no opposition surfaces at the last moment, this bill could be acted upon by the Senate as soon as it returns to Albany later this summer.

 

 Another small city school bill, A.8292/S.6481 by Assemblywoman Destito and Senator Marcellino, which would allow small city districts to recognize all or part of unpaid property taxes as current year revenue, passed in the Assembly and is now in the Senate Rules Committee. This bill, if enacted, would give districts greater flexibility in planning budgets from year to year.

 

Other bills which relate to specific small city districts such as Rye, Beacon, Poughkeepsie, Oneonta and Corning were left hung up at various stages of the legislative process. These bills are shown below with the status of each indicated.

 

The Senate and Assembly each made an effort to resolve the education finance reform dilemma by introduction of one House bills.  Senator Bruno sponsored a bill entitled Leading Educational Achievement for Results Now (LEARN), S.7482.  Assemblyman Silver did the same by sponsoring A.11692 which was passed by his House on the 22nd. Both proposals will serve as the basis for negotiations next month if such discussions are continued.

 

One promise was, in fact, delivered upon with the passage of the long awaited  state contingency budget bill, A.11702/S.7615,  which was introduced and passed virtually within a twenty four hour period. Obviously, there was no opportunity for much scrutiny and debate and the concerns that small city school districts have regarding the onerous effect that state aid freezes have on low wealth/high taxing districts did not get an opportunity for a fair hearing. This bill will be reviewed by the Association prior to delivery to the Governor and a position on this landmark legislation will be developed.

 

Below find the key bills of interest to small city school districts. Let us know if  there is need for more information or discussion on any of these. 2004 Both Houses Bills, Using Bill File: SCSD, EDPRO, DEBT, STAID, RPTX , GOV

Priority Codes: 01

 

Run Date: 06/23/04 10:32 AM

A406-B

 

SAME AS

S4772-A

 

GOV

McEneny (MS) -- Relates to pupil transportation and transportation in child safety zones; repealer
Same as S 4772-A FLANAGAN
BLURB : Ed L. trans child safety zones
SUMM : Amd SS3622-a & 3635-b, rpld S3635-b sub 11, Ed L; amd S6, Chap 69 of 1992 Provides that the transportation of pupils by a school district in child safety zones shall be considered regular aidable transportation; eliminates expiration of and makes permanent provisions of the education law providing for the transportation of pupils in child safety zones.
      06/22/04 substituted for a406
      06/22/04 ordered to third reading rules cal.1311
      06/22/04 passed assembly
      06/22/04 returned to senate
Same as S 4772 All act: 06/22/04 substituted for a406
                                         06/22/04 ordered to third reading rules cal.1311
                                         06/22/04 passed assembly
                                         06/22/04 returned to senate

A1681

 

SAME AS

S803

 

RPTX

Sidikman -- Relates to the enforcement of taxes in certain city school districts
Same as S 803 MARCELLINO
BLURB : RPT L. enf sch distr
SUMM : Amd S1330, RPT L Provides that in any school district other than city school districts having populations in excess of 125,000, if any taxes remain unpaid at the time the collecting officer is required by law to return his warrant, such officer shall be credited with the amount of such taxes.
01/22/03 referred to real property taxation
03/12/03 reported referred to ways and means
01/07/04 referred to real property taxation
Same as S 803 All act: 01/07/04 REFERRED TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT

A1892A

 

SAME AS

S1487

 

EDPRO

GOV

Sanders (MS) -- Provides that each school district shall have the power to require minors from sixteen to seventeen years of age to attend upon full time day instruction
Same as S 1487 KUHL
BLURB : Ed L. mand. edn. inc. age
SUMM : Amd S3205, Ed L Provides that each school district shall have the power to require minors from sixteen to seventeen years of age who are not employed to attend upon full time day instruction until the last day of the session in the school year in which the student becomes seventeen years of age.
06/09/04 PASSED SENATE
06/09/04 RETURNED TO ASSEMBLY
Same as S 1487 All act: 06/09/04 PASSED SENATE
                                         06/09/04 RETURNED TO ASSEMBLY

A3098A

 

SAME AS

S1519-A

 

EDPRO

Towns (MS) -- Establishes June 19th as an annual day of commemoration to commemorate the end of slavery, to be known as "Juneteenth Freedom Day"
Same as S 1519-A SAMPSON
BLURB : Exec. Juneteenth day of commemora
SUMM : Amd S168-a, Exec L Establishes June 19th as an annual day of commemoration to commemorate the end of slavery, to be known as "Juneteenth Freedom Day".
Eff. Date 06/19/2004   
06/18/04 signed chap.113
Same as S 1519 All act:  06/18/04 signed chap.113

A5125A

 

SAME AS

S2255-A

 

SCSD

GOV

Magee -- Relates to enacting the Oneonta city school district public construction flexibility demonstration project act
Same as S 2255-A SEWARD
BLURB : Oneonta city schl; renovatn projc
SUMM : Enacts the Oneonta city school district public construction flexibility demonstration project act to facilitate expedition of a renovation project in the Oneonta city school district; exempts project from WICKS law.
01/07/04 referred to education
Same as S 2255 All act:  06/22/04 COMMITTED TO RULES

A5601

 

SAME AS

S2503

 

STAID

Kolb (MS) -- Provides for increased school aid in cities of less than one hundred twenty-five thousand inhabitants
Same as S 2503 KUHL
BLURB : Ed L. increased school aid
SUMM : Amd S3602, Ed L Provides for increased school aid in cities of less than one hundred twenty-five thousand inhabitants for the 2002-2003 school year.
03/03/03 referred to education
06/11/03 held for consideration in education
01/07/04 referred to education
Same as S 2503 All act: 01/07/04 REFERRED TO EDUCATION

A8292

 

SAME AS

S6481

 

RPTX

Rules (Destito) -- Relates to permitting a small city school district to accrue as current year revenue uncollected taxes which are levied in the current year and payable in subsequent years
Same as S 6481 MARCELLINO
BLURB : Ed L. accrual of uncollected tax
SUMM : Amd S2503, Ed L Permits a small city school district to accrue as current year revenue uncollected taxes which are levied in the current year and reimbursed in subsequent years by the city. 
06/14/04 rules report cal.985
06/14/04 ordered to third reading rules cal.985
06/14/04 passed assembly
06/14/04 delivered to senate
06/14/04 REFERRED TO RULES
Same as S 6481 All act: 03/15/04 REFERRED TO EDUCATION

A8402A

 

SAME AS

S6090

 

EDPRO

Rules (Clark) -- Establishes a temporary commission to examine and review the degree of segregation in primary and secondary schools
Same as S 6090 PATERSON
BLURB : Commission est temp comm ex segrg
SUMM : Establishes a temporary commission to examine and review the degree and effect of segregation in primary and secondary schools. 
06/02/04 reported referred to ways and means
Same as S 6090 All act: 02/05/04 REFERRED TO FINANCE

A8726

 

SAME AS

S5362

 

SCSD

Rules (Bacalles) -- Authorizes the city school district of the city of Corning to enter into a lease purchase agreement for a new high school
Same as S 5362 KUHL
BLURB : Corning sch.dist.new high sch.
SUMM : Authorizes the city school district of the city of Corning to enter into a lease purchase agreement, not to exceed thirty years in duration, for a new high school; provides for apportionment from the state for capital outlays and debt service for the construction of such school as otherwise provided by law.
01/07/04 referred to education
Same as S 5362 All act: 01/07/04 REFERRED TO EDUCATION

A9494B

 

SAME AS

S5526-B

 

RPTX

Gunther A -- Relates to providing state assistance to municipal corporations and special districts affected by the exemption of certain railroad real property
Same as S 5526-B LARKIN
BLURB : RPT L. assist. railroad prop exem
SUMM : Amd S489-w, RPT L Relates to providing state assistance to municipal corporations and special districts affected by the exemption of railroad real property pursuant to public authority acquisition, lease or sublease; provides such assistance until December 31, 2005, and in the case of school districts, until the conclusion of the 2005-2006 school year.
06/09/04 reported referred to ways and means
Same as S 5526 All act: 06/15/04 PASSED SENATE
                                         06/15/04 DELIVERED TO ASSEMBLY
                                         06/15/04 referred to ways and means

A9495A

 

SAME AS

S1528-A

 

RPTX

Gunther A -- Provides for the partial payment of real property taxes at any time to be applied to the outstanding balance of taxes owed by such taxpayer
Same as S 1528-A WRIGHT
BLURB : RPT L. partial pay; real prop tax
SUMM : Add S928-b, RPT L Provides for the partial payment of real property taxes at any time to be applied to the outstanding balance of taxes owed by such taxpayer.
06/16/04 PASSED SENATE
06/16/04 RETURNED TO ASSEMBLY
Same as S 1528 All act: 06/16/04 PASSED SENATE
                                        06/16/04 RETURNED TO ASSEMBLY

A9519

 

SAME AS

S1814

 

RPTX

Gunther A -- Authorizes a five day extension to pay real property taxes for senior citizens granted a STAR exemption if the locality so provides
Same as S 1814 LARKIN
BLURB : RPT L. STAR exempt. extension
SUMM : Amd S925-b, RPT L Authorizes a five day extension to pay real property taxes for senior citizens granted a STAR exemption if the locality so provides by resolution, duly adopted.
06/22/04 RECOMMITTED TO RULES
Same as S 1814 All act:  06/22/04 RECOMMITTED TO RULES

A10158A

 

SAME AS

S6614

 

SCSD

Weisenberg -- Directs the governing body of a special assessing unit which is not a city to reallocate class shares in the Long Beach city school district
Same as S 6614 SKELOS
BLURB : Reloc. cls shrs. Long Beach sch d
SUMM : Directs the governing body of a special assessing unit which is not a city to change the allocation of the 2003-2004 tax levy for classes 2, 3 and 4 property in the Long Beach city school district.
Eff. Date 07/01/2004
04/13/04 signed chap.33
Same as S 6614 All act:  04/13/04 signed chap.33

A10268

 

SAME AS

S6200

 

SCSD

Kirwan -- Legalizes, confirms, ratifies and validates certain transportation contracts of the Poughkeepsie city school district of the 2002-2003 school year
Same as S 6200 SALAND
BLURB : Poughkeepsie sch; tran contract
SUMM : Legalizes, confirms, ratifies and validates certain transportation contracts of the Poughkeepsie city school district of the 2002-2003 school year.
03/18/04 referred to education
Same as S 6200 All act: 03/30/04 LOCAL FISCAL IMPACT NOTE
                                         03/30/04 PASSED SENATE
                                         03/30/04 DELIVERED TO ASSEMBLY
                                         03/30/04 referred to education

A10270

 

SAME AS

S6199

 

SCSD

Kirwan -- Provides for the adjustment of state aid to the Beacon city school district
Same as S 6199 SALAND
BLURB : Beacon City SD; state aid adjust
SUMM : Provides for the adjustment of state aid to the Beacon city school district.
03/18/04 referred to education
05/04/04 reported referred to ways and means
Same as S 6199 All act: 05/04/04 LOCAL FISCAL IMPACT NOTE
                                         05/04/04 PASSED SENATE
                                         05/04/04 DELIVERED TO ASSEMBLY
                                         05/04/04 referred to education

A10323

 

SAME AS

S2504

 

GOV

Canestrari -- Provides that city school districts with less than 125,000 inhabitants may exclude certain indebtedness in ascertaining their power to contract indebtedness
Same as S 2504 KUHL
BLURB : Loc Fin. city schools; indebtedns
SUMM : Amd SS121.20, 121.30 & 137.00, Loc Fin L Provides that city school districts with less than one hundred twenty-five thousand inhabitants may exclude certain indebtedness in ascertaining their power to contract indebtedness.
06/22/04 passed assembly
06/22/04 delivered to senate
06/22/04 REFERRED TO RULES
06/22/04 SUBSTITUTED FOR S2504
06/22/04 3RD READING CAL.1330
06/22/04 RECOMMITTED TO RULES
Same as S 2504 All act: 06/22/04 SUBSTITUTED BY A10323
                                        06/22/04 passed assembly
                                        06/22/04 delivered to senate
                                        06/22/04 REFERRED TO RULES
                                        06/22/04 SUBSTITUTED FOR S2504
                                      06/22/04 3RD READING CAL.1330
                                      06/22/04 RECOMMITTED TO RULES

A11025

 

SAME AS

S7117

 

RPTX

Rules (Parment) – Authorizes granting of the residential investment exemption in certain cities for school district tax purposes

Same as S 7117 MCGEE

BLURN : RPT L. resident. Invest exemption

SUMM : Amd S485-h, RPT L Authorizes the granting of the residential investment exemption in certain cities for school district tax purposes.

04/24/04 referred to real property taxation

06/16/04 reported referred to ways and means

Same as S7117 All act: 06/15/04 PASSED SENATE

                                       06/15/04 DELIVERED TO ASSEMBLY

                                       06/15/04 referred to real property taxation

A11692

 

STAID

Rules (Silver) -- Relates to payment and calculation of school aid
No same as
BLURB : Ed L. school aid
SUMM : Amd SS3602, 3602-e, 3609-a, 3612 & 3641, Ed L; add S1689-i, Pub Auth L; add S92-cc, St Fin L; amd S1612, Tax L; amd S6, Chap 756 of 1992; amd Part K S2, Chap 93 of 2002; amd Part L S104, Chap 405 of 1999 Relates to payment and calculation of school aid; financing of eligible school construction projects; building aid for a sound education; establishes the state video lottery fund and provides generally for support of public schools. 
06/21/04 reported referred to ways and means
06/21/04 reported referred to rules
06/21/04 rules report cal.1375
06/21/04 ordered to third reading rules cal.1375
06/21/04 passed assembly
06/21/04 delivered to senate
06/21/04 REFERRED TO RULES

A11702

 

SAME AS

S7615

 

STAID

Rules -- Establishes procedure for implementation of a contingency budget; changes date of fiscal year; creates N.Y. state independent budget office and provides for budget reform
Same as S 7615 RULES COM
BLURB : St Fin. budget reform
SUMM : Amd St Fin L, generally; amd S1615, Tax L; amd SS17.03, 27.15 & 27.17, Pks & Rec L; amd S551, Lab L; amd SS16-a, 316 & 316-a, R & SS L; add Art 4-B SS75 & 76, Leg L Establishes procedure for implementation of a contingency budget on the first day of the fiscal year in the event the legislature has not finally acted upon all appropriation bills submitted by the governor; enacts provisions relating to appropriations for public education; submission of financial plans; requires use of separate schedules; multi-year financial plan changes; provides for additional debt reporting; revisions of financial plans and capital improvement programs; establishes earlier time frames for certain actions (quickstart); creates the health care reform act fund; provides for reporting of journal voucher transactions; changes the date of the fiscal year; creates the New York state independent budget office; provides for procedures relating to appropriations and reporting for information technology projects; provides for revision of information by the executive to reflect legislative action on the executive budget and contingency budget; relates to amounts held and transferred to and by the tax stabilization reserve fund and establishes the fiscal stabilization reserve fund; and provides that the budget shall include a current services budget projecting the cost of continuing levels of activities and programs authorized for the current state fiscal year as well as provisions of law scheduled to take effect through the conclusion of the ensuing state fiscal year. 
06/22/04 reported referred to rules
06/22/04 rules report cal.1509
06/22/04 substituted by s7615
            S07615      RULES
      06/19/04 REFERRED TO RULES
      06/22/04 ORDERED TO THIRD READING CAL.1832
      06/22/04 PASSED SENATE
      06/22/04 DELIVERED TO ASSEMBLY
      06/22/04 referred to ways and means
      06/22/04 substituted for a11702
      06/22/04 ordered to third reading rules cal.1509
      06/22/04 passed assembly
      06/22/04 returned to senate
Same as S 7615 All act: 06/24/04 returned to senate

S972A

 

SAME AS

A4963-A

 

GOV

FARLEY -- Prohibits the diminution of health insurance benefits of public employee retirees
Same as A 4963-A Abbate
BLURB : Retire. pub employ; health benes
SUMM : Prohibits the diminution of health insurance benefits of public employee retirees and their dependents or reducing the employer's contributions for such insurance from on and after May 1, 2004; defines employers to include the state, municipalities, school districts, and public authorities and commissions.  
01/08/04 AMEND AND RECOMMIT TO CIVIL SERVICE AND PENSIONS
01/08/04 PRINT NUMBER 972A
Same as A 4963 All act: 02/23/04 passed assembly
                                         02/23/04 delivered to senate
                                         02/23/04 REFERRED TO CIVIL SERVICE AND PENSIONS

S973A

 

SAME AS

A4962-A

 

GOV

FARLEY -- Prohibits the diminution of health insurance benefits of public employee retirees
Same as A 4962-A Abbate
BLURB : Retire; pub employ; health benes
SUMM : Prohibits the diminution of health insurance benefits of public employee retirees and their dependents or reducing the employer's contributions for such insurance from May 1, 2004 until May 15, 2005; defines employers to include the state, municipalities, school districts, and public authorities and commissions. 
01/08/04 AMEND AND RECOMMIT TO CIVIL SERVICE AND PENSIONS
01/08/04 PRINT NUMBER 973A
Same as A 4962 All act: 02/23/04 passed assembly
                                         02/23/04 delivered to senate
                                         02/23/04 REFERRED TO CIVIL SERVICE AND PENSIONS

S2232A

 

SAME AS

A7081-A

 

GOV

RPTX

KUHL -- Increases the allowable amount of unexpended surplus funds which may be retained by a board of education
Same as A 7081-A Tokasz
BLURB : RPT L. ret sup fnds brd of educa
SUMM : Amd S1318, RPT L Increases the allowable amount of unexpended surplus funds which may be retained by a board of education; provides for an increase from two percent to three percent for the two thousand four-two thousand five school year, an increase from three percent to four percent for the two thousand five-two thousand six school year, and thereafter.

06/22/04 COMMITTED TO RULES
Same as A 7081 All act: 06/22/04 COMMITTED TO RULES

S7130

 

SAME AS

A8690-A

 

GOV

VOLKER -- Requires appropriate maintenance of local effort for certain fiscally dependent large city school districts
Same as A 8690-A RULES COM Hoyt
BLURB : Ed L. schools maintain efforts
SUMM : Amd S2576, Ed L Requires appropriate maintenance of local effort for certain fiscally dependent large city school districts in order to preclude the replacement of local funds by state aid revenues intended to increase support for education.
04/19/04 REFERRED TO EDUCATION
Same as A 8690 All act: 03/10/04 passed assembly
                                         03/10/04 delivered to senate
                                         03/10/04 REFERRED TO EDUCATION

S7178

 

GOV

OPPENHEIMER -- Establishes the Rye City School District public construction flexibility demonstration project act to engage in innovative construction methods
No same as
BLURB : Rye sch dist cons flex demo act
SUMM : Establishes the Rye City School District public construction flexibility demonstration project act to have authority to engage in innovative construction methods to renovate three elementary schools. 
06/03/04 REPORTED AND COMMITTED TO RULES

S7336

 

SCSD

SALAND -- Relates to enacting the Beacon city school district public construction flexibility demonstration project act
No same as
BLURB : Beacon schl di; renovatn projc
SUMM : Enacts the Beacon city school district public construction flexibility demonstration project act to facilitate expedition of a renovation project in the Beacon city school district; exempts project from WICKS law.
05/24/04 REFERRED TO RULES

S7471

 

STAID

BRUNO -- Enacts into law major components of legislation relating to taxes and revenues which are necessary to implement the state's fiscal plan for the 2004-2005 fiscal year; repealer
No same as
BLURB : rax. omnibus taxes and revenues
SUMM : Rpld S301-e, amd Tax L, generally; amd S425, RPT L; amd Ins L, generally; amd SS2807-v, 4401 & 4406, Pub Health L; add Art 18-D SS971 - 973, Gen Muni L; amd S3102-e, Pub Auth L Enacts into law major components of legislation relating to taxes and revenues which are necessary to implement the state's fiscal plan for the 2004-2005 fiscal year.
06/16/04 MOTION TO AMEND LOST
06/16/04 PASSED SENATE
06/16/04 DELIVERED TO ASSEMBLY
06/16/04 referred to ways and means

S7485A

 

STAID

RULES -- Enacts the Leading Educational Achievement for Results Now (LEARN) Act; repealer
No same as
BLURB : Ed L. LEARN Act
SUMM : Rpld S3602 sub 12 Ph, amd Ed L, generally; amd SS1689 & 1680, ren S2799-tt to be 2799-uu, add S2799-tt, Pub Auth L; amd SS2, 4 & 6, Chap 756 of 1992; amd S167, Chap 169 of 1994; amd S2, Chap 552 of 1995; amd Part K S2, Chap 93 of 2002; amd Part A2 S50, Chap 62 of 2003; amd S97-ggg, St Fin L; amd S7, Chap 472 of 1998; rpld Part A S93 sub (c), Chap 60 of 2000; add S214-b, R & SS L; add S1306-b, RPT L; add SS178 & 1621, amd S1612, Tax L Enacts the Leading Educational Achievement for Results Now (LEARN) Act; enacts major components of legislation to implement reforms of the education system within the state. 
06/18/04 referred to education

 

 

SECOND
BUDGET
VOTE
RESULTS

The second round of budget votes were held between June 16th and June 22nd. Of the eleven districts with defeated budgets, eight districts passed budgets on the second vote (seven districts submitted revised budgets and one district put up their original budget for the second voting). Two districts voted down their second budget and one district opted to go straight to a contingency budget. The following chart contains this information. Please contact the association for the complete 2004-2005 budget vote survey (ebiggerstaff@degraff-foy.com) or visit the Association website (http://scsd.neric.org).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 second

BUDGET

passed?

# yes

# no

 dollar amount

 tax levy amount

 budget

school district

 

 

 

 

 

 vote

Albany

NO

2,006

2,454

 $      147,918,715

 $          91,140,945

 passed second vote

Dunkirk

NO

1,037

1,143

 $        30,715,316

 $          11,402,428

 passed second vote

Glen Cove

NO

849

1,319

 $        56,261,478

 $          46,900,078

 defeated 2nd vote, contingency

Hornell

NO

521

828

 $        22,944,346

 $            5,548,198

 passed second vote

Hudson

NO

620

794

 $        29,730,945

 $          14,875,662

passed second vote

Johnstown

NO

380

444

 $        21,519,240

 $            6,414,828

 passed second vote

Kingston

NO

2,074

2,217

 $      111,277,987

 $          69,883,373

passed second vote

Lackawanna

NO

1,064

1,255

 $        31,815,000

 $       6,506,000.00

contingency budget adopted

Norwich

NO

362

750

 $        27,109,424

 $            9,596,711

 defeated 2nd vote, contingency

Port Jervis

NO

 

 

 $        43,857,817

 $          16,760,587

passed second vote

Rye

NO

 

 

 $        53,486,695

 $          49,302,146

passed second vote

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

first budget votes

 

 

 

 

 

 2nd budget votes

no=11

defeats=

19.30%

 

 

 

 passed = 8

yes=46

passing=

80.70%

 

 

 

 defeated = 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 straight to contingency = 1

 

 

TLQP
GRANT
UPDATE

Association consultant, Dan Barrett, who was instrumental in obtaining the Teacher Leadership Quality Program grant for eight of our small city school districts, wrote a letter to Bob Biggerstaff highlighting the grant’s first year. Below is an excerpt of his update.

 

               Year 1 of the TLQP (Teacher Leadership Quality Program) is ending on June 30, 2004.  Binghamton University as the LEA has already met with other winning initiatives at NYSED’s Higher Education staff, headed by Veronica Skinner.  As you remember, this NYSSCSD Association sponsored program was rewarded $400,000 each year for five years to develop a new approach to address mathematics as measured by the 8th grade Assessment.  Participants include Binghamton University as the LEA, The College of Saint Rose, The Sage Colleges, The University at Albany School of Education and Evaluation Consortium and St Mary College in Newburgh.  School District participants include Binghamton, Elmira, Utica, Glens Falls, Hudson, Poughkeepsie, Newburgh and Beacon.  All the school districts participated, some more than others with over 100 teachers receiving the education components developed by the colleges and university participants.  For the second year (7/1/04 through 6/30/05), this initiative has been told to add a rural school district (Harpursville) and one of the big 5 city school districts, which Binghamton University is working on. 

               For the resubmission, Districts have to sign a new Memorandum of Agreement for Year 2.  I am going to Binghamton to discuss the reapplication with Dr. Beth Burch on Monday, June 14th.  I have until June 20th to get all the signed applications into Binghamton to be processed.  Again, it is anticipated that $400,000 will be made available for Year 2 project, professional development and training.  The resubmission is due on July 2, 2004. 

               Bob, as far as grant writing for the Association is concerned, I have the same suggestions that I made last year at this time.  As an organization, and as a 501C3 corporation, the Association can develop grants for its own purposes and run those programs for the benefit of school districts in the Association.  As I pointed out last year, the problem with the TLQP winning proposal was that it was for a higher education entity (colleges and universities) not even for school districts to apply for funding.  As a result, Binghamton University became the LEA and subsequently had the full fiduciary responsibility for the proposal.  The Association sponsored the proposal but in fact had limited input into the actual development and implementation of the program.

               What I am suggesting is that the New York State Association of Small City School Districts can apply on its own for private foundation funding and be in charge of the entire process.  As an example, SAANYS developed a proposal several years ago to provide leadership professional development for school administrators through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.  Connie and Jim Sullivan, two very well known educators, wrote the grant and won several million dollars on behalf of SAANYS. I work with the Sullivans from time to time.  The Association could do the same thing, and provide direct funding resources through the Association.  In addition, the Association could provide a grant writing and PR service for school districts in the Association who currently do have these services.  A per grant, per hour, or per program charge could be developed based on the number of participants, with each school district sharing the costs of the proposals.

               Bob, if you need any more information, I would be most pleased to sit down with anyone you deem appropriate.  I will be in Binghamton on Monday with Beth Burch if you need me.  Thank you.

 

Dan Barrett

(518) 237-9357

dbarret1@nycap.rr.com

 

 

REGENTS
MET
May 17 & 18

The Regents met in Albany on May 17th and 18th. Commissioner Mills gave the Regents a report covering nine subject areas. Of these, the Commissioner spoke to the continuing problem that a late state budget is having on the education system. Mills reported that although student achievement is improving and NYS has a comprehensive and nationally recognized system of accountability in place, the lack of a “fair, sustainable state aid system” works against the progress currently being made. Mills encouraged “advoca(cy) without ceasing until our poorest children have what they need”.

Commissioner Mills reported data on the placement and achievement of students with disabilities. He stated there are “some marks of progress” but challenges, especially in urban districts, remain. Mills stated, “where and how students with disabilities get an education matters”. Goals for these children include: limiting referrals to special education where appropriate, educating children with their non-disabled peers, and enabling students to meet the academic standards.

Commissioner Mills went on to say that although the Regents 2004-2005 state aid proposal kept special education as a separate aid category, it will now look at how to combine special education with general aid. Hearings will be held in September on this subject and the Regents will then make a decision for their recommendations in December. The Education Department has formulated seven questions to take to regional forums and to the Regents in order to inform the Regents and support their decision-making.

As to the issue of structuring middle-level education policy, Commissioner Mills summarized the following as important points to be considered. Middle-level policy should:

1.      Reinforce the importance of the academic core, including English, Social Studies, Science, Mathematics, Art and Music, and Physical Education, and develop suggested model curricula in English and Mathematics.