This bill (S 2142) exempts from sales tax items sold for under $2 by school-based volunteer groups, such as parent-teacher associations, student organizations, or booster clubs. It directly affects these groups when they organize fundraising events to support K-12 educational or extracurricular activities, provided no third-party vendor collects the tax. The exemption applies only to low-cost items sold directly by the school groups themselves. The law aims to reduce administrative burdens and increase revenue for school activities by eliminating tax on small-scale fundraisers.
This bill creates a competitive grant program providing school districts and eligible nonprofits with $25,000-$100,000 to transform schoolyards into "living schoolyards" at elementary and secondary schools across New York. These outdoor learning spaces must include features like gardens, natural playgrounds, and outdoor classrooms designed with community input and ADA accessibility. Grants require a master plan covering ecological goals, educational activities, and long-term maintenance, with funds specifically allocated for native trees (to combat heat), natural playgrounds (for inclusivity and cost savings), and educator training. The program directly affects schools serving students, particularly those with higher free/reduced lunch eligibility, by creating healthier, greener outdoor learning environments on school grounds.
This bill establishes a Center for Dyslexia and Dysgraphia within the state Department of Education. The center will define these learning differences, create a public guidebook for schools, set evidence-based screening standards for all K-5 students (and at-risk new students), and develop teacher training requirements. It directly affects schools, educators, and students with dyslexia or dysgraphia by mandating universal screenings, standardized interventions, and updated professional resources. The center must issue a biennial report on implementation progress and update the guidebook every five years after public review.
Authorizes the removal from a teacher's classroom of a violent pupil; establishes that such pupil shall only return to the classroom with the consent of the teacher if the pupil committed an act of violence against a teacher.
This bill transfers the Amistad Commission from the Department of State to the New York State Education Department. The commission, which focuses on promoting education about the African slave trade, slavery in America, and African-American contributions, will now operate under the Education Department's oversight. Key provisions include moving all commission-related functions, pending matters, and staff support to the Education Department, while maintaining the commission's existing duties like compiling educator volunteers and recommending curricula. The transfer does not change the commission's educational mission or voting structure.
Requires the commissioner of education to promulgate regulations that provide for the immediate decertification of any teacher who is convicted of a felony under NY law or any offense under the laws of another jurisdiction that would be a felony under NY law.
Requires continuing teacher and leader education to include courses, programs and activities related to immigrant focused trauma-informed practices to support students who are dealing with adverse childhood or adolescent experiences as a result of immigration status.
Waives tuition requirements for nonresident pupils if the nonresident pupil is enrolled in a school where the pupil's parent or guardian is a principal, a teacher or a paraprofessional or the nonresident pupil is enrolled at another school within the same district as a school where the pupil's parent or guardian is a principal, a teacher or a paraprofessional.
Permits teachers licensed in another state to teach in New York while completing state-specific teaching certification or licensure requirements; establishes such requirements must be met within one year from the date such teacher began teaching in New York.
This bill requires all public elementary, junior high, and high schools to implement a multicultural curriculum. Schools must adapt the curriculum to their specific student body's cultural composition, and the education commissioner will create rules for both the curriculum and teacher training programs. The law mandates that educators receive training to effectively teach students from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. It takes effect on September 1 following its enactment.
