This bill amends education law to require public school boards to set reasonable rental rates for non-school uses of school rooms (e.g., community groups, after-school programs), ensuring rates cover actual operational costs. It prohibits excluding district children from these spaces solely because they don’t attend the specific school hosting the activity. The law applies to all public school rooms used for community purposes, clarifying that attendance at the hosting school cannot be a barrier. School boards must establish these terms under the revised legal framework.
This bill renames New York State's high school equivalency diploma from "General Education Development (GED)" or "high school equivalency diploma" to the "Excelsior diploma" across all state and city laws. It removes fees for the exam and updates references in education, correction, and city administrative codes to reflect the new name. The change directly affects individuals seeking high school equivalency credentials, including those in correctional facilities pursuing vocational training or work release programs. Key provisions include replacing all prior terminology in statutes and ensuring the Excelsior diploma is recognized as the sole pathway to this credential.
Requires that all special education students attending schools scheduled to be closed or to undergo a significant change be assigned to new schools prior to the implementation of the closing or change.
Provides for the licensure of school psychology practitioners; authorizes the use of the title "licensed school psychology practitioner" to licensed or exempt individuals; defines practice of licensed school psychology practitioners; sets forth requirements for professional licensure (including educational attainment, experience, exam and fee); provides for issuance of limited permits under specified circumstances; identifies exempt persons; establishes mandatory continuing education requirements.
Clarifies the responsibility of school districts for certain temporary-resident preschool children with disabilities who are in foster care, are homeless or are in residential care.
Directs the commissioner to convene statewide and regional conventions to bring together underrepresented educators annually to discuss experiences, best practices, and afford for networking, mentorship opportunities, and support.
This bill authorizes Salamanca City School District to create a reserve fund (capped at $5 million) using existing district funds if federal impact aid decreases. The fund would stabilize school tax levies and maintain educational services if federal aid is reduced, directly affecting Salamanca students and taxpayers. Voter approval via a separate ballot question is required before establishing the fund, and withdrawals would be disclosed in annual budget reports. The bill specifies that funds would be drawn from unassigned balances or other existing reserves, not new taxes.
Enacts the "go green schools act" to assist school districts in converting to renewable energy sources as a primary source of energy; directs NYSERDA to conduct a study and make recommendations for such purpose.
Establishes the New York state Black history preservation commission to ensure the documentation and preservation of Black history in New York state within the state university of New York.
Requires instruction in arts and music education to be incorporated into curriculums for all public school students; requires school districts to ensure that appropriately certified teachers are providing such education; authorizes rules and regulations consistent with such provisions.
