New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S07788

Introduced
5/6/25  

Caption

Permits the establishment of reserve funds for unanticipated costs relating to special education, provided that the amount in such fund shall not exceed four percent of the district's current school year budget.

Impact

One notable impact of S07788 is the flexibility it provides to school districts. By allowing the creation of these reserve funds, districts can better prepare for unforeseen expenses associated with special education. This can lead to improved services for students with disabilities and a more proactive approach in managing educational resources. Moreover, the legislative change seeks to align with the growing demands for special education services, acknowledging that districts often face unexpected funding challenges.

Summary

Bill S07788 proposes amendments to the education law that allow school districts in New York to establish reserve funds specifically for covering unanticipated costs related to providing special education to students with disabilities. The bill restricts the size of such reserve funds to no more than four percent of the district's current school year budget, ensuring that limitations exist to promote responsible fiscal management. This initiative aims to enhance the financial stability of school districts in managing special education services, thereby ensuring that students' needs are met without overwhelming the district's budget.

Contention

Despite the bill's beneficial intentions, there are potential points of contention regarding its implementation. Critics might argue that allowing reserve funds could lead to misuse of allocated resources or that the four percent cap may not be sufficient for larger districts facing significant special education needs. Furthermore, there could be concerns on the potential impact this bill might have on districts that are already financially strained, as it could necessitate careful planning and phases for budgeting that some districts may struggle to adopt effectively.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NY A05124

Relates to school district unexpended surplus funds; provides that for the 2025--2026 school year and thereafter, surplus funds shall mean any operating funds in excess of six percent of the current school year budget, and shall not include funds properly retained under other sections of law.

NY S07701

Relates to school district unexpended surplus funds; provides that for the 2025--2026 school year and thereafter, surplus funds shall mean any operating funds in excess of six percent of the current school year budget, and shall not include funds properly retained under other sections of law.

NY A10123

Provides that any school district may establish a reserve fund for the payment of unanticipated costs related to pupil transportation in excess of public funds apportioned to districts for such purposes.

NY A00304

Provides that for the two thousand twenty-four--two thousand twenty-five school year, the two thousand twenty-five--two thousand twenty-six school year, and the two thousand twenty-six--two thousand twenty-seven school year, surplus funds as used in this subdivision shall mean any operating funds in excess of five percent of the current school year budget, and shall not include funds properly retained under other sections of law.

NY A04299

Provides that no school district shall be eligible to receive the full apportionment of state aid to which it is entitled if evidence is found by the state comptroller when an audit is conducted and such audit finds that a district has inappropriate excess of their unexpended surplus funds and such school district did not reduce the school tax levy in a proportion equal to the excess of four percent of the current year school budget.

NY S04281

Enacts the "educational equity and choice act"; requires nonpublic schools to provide the same services that public schools currently provide to nonpublic schools; provides that such costs shall be approved by the commissioner of education and borne by the state; makes related provisions.

NY A03711

Enacts the "educational equity and choice act"; requires nonpublic schools to provide the same services that public schools currently provide to nonpublic schools; provides that such costs shall be approved by the commissioner of education and borne by the state; makes related provisions.

NY A00921

Relates to funding early intervention services; provides that for the 2023 fiscal year there shall be an 11 percent increase in funding.

NY A02490

Provides that at the close of each fiscal year, five percent of any cash surplus in the general fund shall be transferred to the debt reduction reserve fund.

NY S09107

Relates to reserved funds for special educational services for certain children with disabilities.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.