oppose - New York State Council of School Superintendents

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The Council opposes the Executive Budget proposal to reduce state reimbursement for summer special education, imposing a
LOBBY DAY 2014

OPPOSE

Shifting Special Education Costs to School Districts The Council opposes the Executive Budget proposal to reduce state reimbursement for summer special education, imposing an estimated $70 million in costs upon school districts.

Current Law (80%)

100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

Proposed (Wealth Adjusted)

36 districts gain

638 districts lose

0.177 0.355 0.535 0.715 0.895 1.075 1.255 1.435 1.615 1.795 1.975 2.155 2.335 2.515 2.695 2.875 3.055 3.235 3.415 3.595 3.775 3.955 4.135 4.315 4.495 4.675 4.855

A handful of districts could see their share of costs reduced, but 95 percent of districts would be forced to pay more. A district of average wealth per pupil would see its share of cost rise from 20 percent now to 51 percent. Over 100 school districts would qualify for only the minimum 25 percent state reimbursement and have their share of costs more than triple, going from 20 percent to 75 percent.

Proposed Change in State Reimbursement Rate for SchoolAge Summer Special Education

State Reimbursement %

Under current law, the state reimburses all school districts for 80 percent of the cost of special education provided to children with disabilities during July and August. The Executive Budget proposes to shift to a wealth-adjusted reimbursement structure, with the state share to range from 25 percent to 90 percent.

Combined Wealth Ratio The Combined Wealth Ratio measures district property wealth and resident income per pupil compared to state averages. A district with average wealth will have a ratio of 1.000; lower indicates poorer. SOURCE: Compiled by the Council

The Division of the Budget estimates that this proposal would shift $70 million in costs annually to school districts, starting in the next school year. This shift, combined with proposed School Aid increases dedicated to categorical initiatives, reduces the aid increase schools could use to fund ongoing costs to $599 million – less than half the amount the Educational Conference Board estimated necessary to preserve current services. Districts would be expected to accommodate this new cost within their budgets and tax caps. With few districts attempting to over-ride the tax cap, the probability is that most would need to cut other spending and services to accommodate this new state-imposed cost. The Council strongly urges rejecting the proposal to shift summer special education costs to school districts.

N EW Y ORK S TATE C OUNCIL 7 Elk Street  Albany, NY 12207-1002

OF

S CHOOL S UPERINTENDENTS

www.nyscoss.org

518/449-1063  Fax 518/426-2229