LBD12275-01-0
S. 8156 2
1. BOARD OF EDUCATION. THE TERM "BOARD OF EDUCATION" OR "BOARD" SHALL
MEAN THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT OF THE CITY OF
ROCHESTER, ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO SECTION TWENTY-FIVE HUNDRED
NINETY-ONE-C OF THIS ARTICLE.
2. CITY. THE TERM "CITY" SHALL MEAN THE CITY OF ROCHESTER.
3. CITY DISTRICT. THE TERM "CITY DISTRICT" SHALL MEAN THE CITY SCHOOL
DISTRICT OF THE CITY OF ROCHESTER.
4. CLAIMS AUDITOR OR OFFICE OF CLAIMS AUDITOR. THE TERM "CLAIMS AUDI-
TOR" OR "OFFICE OF CLAIMS AUDITOR" SHALL MEAN THE OFFICE ESTABLISHED
PURSUANT TO SUBDIVISION TWO-A OF SECTION TWENTY-FIVE HUNDRED FIFTY-FOUR
OF THIS TITLE.
5. COMMON COUNCIL. THE TERM "COMMON COUNCIL" SHALL MEAN THE COMMON
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROCHESTER.
6. COMMISSIONER. THE TERM "COMMISSIONER" SHALL MEAN THE COMMISSIONER
OF THE STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
7. COUNCIL DISTRICT. THE TERM "COUNCIL DISTRICT" SHALL MEAN THE FOUR
DISTRICTS INTO WHICH THE CITY OF ROCHESTER IS DIVIDED PURSUANT TO THE
CHARTER OF SUCH CITY FOR THE PURPOSES OF ELECTING DISTRICT COUNCIL
MEMBERS.
8. COMMUNITY SCHOOLS ADVISORY COUNCIL. THE TERM "COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
ADVISORY COUNCIL" OR "ADVISORY COUNCIL" SHALL MEAN THE ADVISORY COUNCIL
ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO SECTION TWENTY-FIVE HUNDRED NINETY-ONE-F OF THIS
ARTICLE.
9. MAYOR. THE TERM "MAYOR" SHALL MEAN THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF ROCHES-
TER.
10. RSC BOARD. THE TERM "RSC BOARD" SHALL MEAN THE JOINT SCHOOLS
CONSTRUCTION BOARD OF THE CITY AND THE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT ESTABLISHED
PURSUANT TO CHAPTER FOUR HUNDRED SIXTEEN OF THE LAWS OF TWO THOUSAND
SEVEN.
11. SUPERINTENDENT OR SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS. THE TERM "SUPERINTEN-
DENT" OR "SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS" SHALL MEAN THE SUPERINTENDENT OF
THE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT OF THE CITY OF ROCHESTER.
S 2591-C. BOARD OF EDUCATION; COMPOSITION; ESTABLISHMENT OF CITY-WIDE
COUNCILS ON SPECIAL EDUCATION AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS. 1. THE
BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE CITY OF ROCHESTER IS HEREBY CONTINUED. SUCH
BOARD MAY BE COMMONLY KNOWN AND REFERRED TO AS THE EDUCATION COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF ROCHESTER.
2. THE BOARD SHALL CONSIST OF NINE MEMBERS, AS FOLLOWS:
(A) ONE MEMBER FROM EACH OF THE FOUR COUNCIL DISTRICTS OF THE CITY,
APPOINTED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL, WHO SHALL BE A RESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL
DISTRICT;
(B) FIVE MEMBERS, APPOINTED BY THE MAYOR, WHO SHALL BE RESIDENTS OF
THE CITY;
(C) ALL MEMBERS SHALL POSSESS EXTENSIVE EDUCATIONAL, BUSINESS OR TRADE
EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE, AND MAKE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO IMPROV-
ING THE EDUCATION OF THE STUDENTS OF THE CITY DISTRICT.
3. ALL MEMBERS SHALL SERVE THREE YEAR TERMS. THE TERMS OF OFFICE
SHALL BE STAGGERED PURSUANT TO SECTION THIRTEEN OF THE CHAPTER OF THE
LAWS OF TWO THOUSAND TEN THAT ADDED THIS ARTICLE. A MEMBER MAY BE
REMOVED FROM OFFICE BY THE APPOINTING AUTHORITY DURING HIS OR HER TERM
FOR GOOD CAUSE SHOWN, AFTER NOTICE AND OPPORTUNITY TO BE HEARD. A
MEMBER WHO REFUSES OR FAILS TO ATTEND THREE SUCCESSIVE MEETINGS OF SUCH
BOARD VACATES HIS OR HER OFFICE BY REFUSAL TO SERVE. ANY VACANCY SHALL
BE FILLED BY THE APPOINTING AUTHORITY WITHIN THIRTY DAYS OF THE VACANCY.
4. MEMBERS SHALL NOT BE PAID A SALARY OR STIPEND, BUT SHALL BE REIM-
BURSED FOR ALL ACTUAL AND NECESSARY EXPENSES DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE
S. 8156 3
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BOARD. THE MAYOR SHALL ASSIGN APPRO-
PRIATE STAFF AND OFFICES TO THE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD.
5. (A) NO PERSON SHALL BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE OFFICE OF MEMBER OF THE
BOARD WHO IS NOT A QUALIFIED VOTER UNDER SECTION 5-102 OF THE ELECTION
LAW OF SUCH CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT. NO PERSON SHALL HOLD AT THE SAME TIME
THE OFFICE OF MEMBER OF THE BOARD AND ANY OTHER ELECTIVE OFFICE NOR
SHALL SUCH PERSON BE A CANDIDATE FOR ANY OTHER ELECTIVE OFFICE AT THE
SAME TIME HE OR SHE IS A MEMBER OF THE BOARD.
(B) NO APPOINTED MEMBER OF THE BOARD SHALL BE EMPLOYED BY THE CITY OR
THE CITY DISTRICT OR SHALL BE A MEMBER OF ANY PUBLIC CORPORATION,
AUTHORITY, COMMISSION OR ENTITY IN WHICH THE MAYOR HAS A MAJORITY OF
APPOINTMENTS INCLUDING THE ROCHESTER JOINT SCHOOLS CONSTRUCTION BOARD
ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO CHAPTER FOUR HUNDRED SIXTEEN OF THE LAWS OF TWO
THOUSAND SEVEN.
6. THE BOARD SHALL HOLD AT LEAST ONE REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING PER MONTH.
AT LEAST ONE REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING SHALL BE HELD IN EACH OF THE COUNCIL
DISTRICTS PER YEAR. THE BOARD SHALL CONSIDER APPROPRIATE PUBLIC ACCOMMO-
DATIONS WHEN SELECTING A VENUE SO AS TO MAXIMIZE PARTICIPATION BY
PARENTS AND THE COMMUNITY. NOTICE OF THE TIME, PLACE AND AGENDA FOR ALL
BOARD REGULAR PUBLIC MEETINGS SHALL BE PUBLICLY PROVIDED, INCLUDING VIA
THE BOARD'S OFFICIAL INTERNET WEB SITE, AT LEAST TEN BUSINESS DAYS IN
ADVANCE OF SUCH MEETING.
7. ALL MEMBERS SHALL BE REQUIRED TO PREPARE AND FILE FINANCIAL DISCLO-
SURE STATEMENTS PURSUANT TO THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF ROCHESTER.
8. (A) THERE SHALL BE A CITY-WIDE COUNCIL ON SPECIAL EDUCATION CREATED
PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION. THE CITY-WIDE COUNCIL ON SPECIAL EDUCATION
SHALL CONSIST OF FOUR MEMBERS, ONE FROM EACH COUNCIL DISTRICT, SELECTED
BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS PARAGRAPH. EACH COMMU-
NITY SCHOOLS ADVISORY COUNCIL SHALL SUBMIT A LIST OF NOMINEES TO THE
BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR CONSIDERATION AND THE BOARD SHALL SELECT ONE
PERSON FROM EACH SUCH SUBMITTED LIST TO SERVE ON THE CITY-WIDE COUNCIL
ON SPECIAL EDUCATION. MEMBERS OF THE CITY-WIDE COUNCIL ON SPECIAL EDUCA-
TION SHALL SERVE A TWO YEAR TERM. VACANCIES SHALL BE FILLED BY THE BOARD
OF EDUCATION FOR AN UNEXPIRED TERM IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SELECTION
PROCESS ESTABLISHED BY THIS PARAGRAPH.
(B) THE BOARD OF EDUCATION SHALL SELECT INDIVIDUALS WITH EXTENSIVE
EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE IN THE EDUCATION OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILI-
TIES WHO WILL MAKE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO IMPROVING SPECIAL
EDUCATION IN THE CITY DISTRICT, INCLUDING PARENTS OF STUDENTS WITH INDI-
VIDUALIZED EDUCATION PROGRAMS.
(C) THE CITY-WIDE COUNCIL ON SPECIAL EDUCATION SHALL HAVE THE POWER
TO:
(I) ADVISE AND COMMENT ON ANY EDUCATIONAL OR INSTRUCTIONAL POLICY
INVOLVING THE PROVISION OF SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES;
(II) ADVISE AND COMMENT ON THE PROCESS OF ESTABLISHING COMMITTEES
AND/OR SUBCOMMITTEES ON SPECIAL EDUCATION IN THE CITY DISTRICT PURSUANT
TO SECTION FORTY-FOUR HUNDRED TWO OF THIS CHAPTER;
(III) ISSUE AN ANNUAL REPORT ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE CITY DISTRICT
IN PROVIDING SERVICES TO STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES AND MAKE RECOMMENDA-
TIONS, AS APPROPRIATE, ON HOW TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY AND DELIVERY OF
SUCH SERVICES; AND
(IV) HOLD REGULAR MEETINGS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, DURING WHICH THE PUBLIC
MAY DISCUSS ISSUES FACING STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES.
9. (A) THERE SHALL BE A CITY-WIDE COUNCIL ON ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS
CREATED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION. THE CITY-WIDE COUNCIL ON ENGLISH
LANGUAGE LEARNERS SHALL CONSIST OF FOUR MEMBERS, ONE FORM EACH COUNCIL
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DISTRICT, SELECTED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS
PARAGRAPH. EACH COMMUNITY SCHOOLS ADVISORY COUNCIL SHALL SUBMIT A LIST
OF NOMINEES TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR CONSIDERATION AND THE BOARD
SHALL SELECT ONE PERSON FROM EACH SUCH SUBMITTED LIST TO SERVE ON THE
CITY-WIDE COUNCIL ON ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS. MEMBERS OF THE CITY-WIDE
COUNCIL ON ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS SHALL SERVE A TWO YEAR TERM. VACAN-
CIES SHALL BE FILLED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR AN UNEXPIRED TERM IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE SELECTION PROCESS ESTABLISHED BY THIS PARAGRAPH.
(B) THE BOARD OF EDUCATION SHALL SELECT INDIVIDUALS WITH EXTENSIVE
EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE IN THE EDUCATION OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS
WHO WILL MAKE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO IMPROVING BILINGUAL AND
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE PROGRAMS IN THE CITY DISTRICT, INCLUDING
PARENTS OF STUDENTS WHO RECEIVE SUCH SERVICES.
(C) THE CITY-WIDE COUNCIL ON ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS SHALL HAVE THE
POWER TO:
(I) ADVISE AND COMMENT ON ANY EDUCATIONAL OR INSTRUCTIONAL POLICY
INVOLVING BILINGUAL OR ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE PROGRAMS;
(II) ISSUE AN ANNUAL REPORT ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE CITY DISTRICT
IN PROVIDING SERVICES TO ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS AND MAKE RECOMMENDA-
TIONS, AS APPROPRIATE, ON HOW TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY AND DELIVERY OF
SUCH SERVICES; AND
(III) HOLD REGULAR MEETINGS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, DURING WHICH THE
PUBLIC MAY DISCUSS ISSUES FACING ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS.
S 2591-D. BOARD OF EDUCATION; POWERS AND DUTIES. 1. THE BOARD SHALL
ADVISE THE SUPERINTENDENT ON MATTERS OF POLICY AFFECTING THE WELFARE OF
THE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT AND ITS PUPILS. THE BOARD SHALL EXERCISE NO
EXECUTIVE POWER AND PERFORM NO EXECUTIVE OR ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS.
2. THE BOARD SHALL PERFORM ANY DUTY IMPOSED UPON BOARDS OF EDUCATION
OR TRUSTEES OF COMMON SCHOOLS UNDER THIS CHAPTER OR OTHER STATUTES, OR
THE RULES OF THE REGENTS AND REGULATIONS OF THE COMMISSIONER SO FAR AS
THEY MAY BE APPLICABLE TO THE SCHOOL OR OTHER EDUCATIONAL AFFAIRS OF A
CITY, AND NOT INCONSISTENT WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE.
3. EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED IN THIS ARTICLE, THE BOARD SHALL FOR
ALL PURPOSES BE THE GOVERNMENT OR PUBLIC EMPLOYER OF ALL PERSONS
APPOINTED OR ASSIGNED TO WORK FOR THE CITY DISTRICT.
4. THE BOARD SHALL ALSO HAVE THE POWER AND DUTY TO:
(A) APPROVE STANDARDS, POLICIES, AND OBJECTIVES PROPOSED BY THE SUPER-
INTENDENT DIRECTLY RELATED TO EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AND STUDENT
PERFORMANCE;
(B) APPROVE ANY OTHER STANDARDS, POLICIES, AND OBJECTIVES AS SPECIF-
ICALLY AUTHORIZED OR REQUIRED BY FEDERAL OR STATE LAW OR REGULATION;
(C) APPROVE A PROTOCOL DEVELOPED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT RELATING TO
SCHOOL CLOSURES PURSUANT TO SECTION TWENTY-FIVE HUNDRED NINETY-ONE-E OF
THIS ARTICLE;
(D) APPROVE A PROCUREMENT POLICY DEVELOPED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT
PURSUANT TO SECTION TWENTY-FIVE HUNDRED NINETY-ONE-E OF THIS ARTICLE;
(E) APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF SUCH APPARATUS, MAPS, GLOBES, BOOKS,
FURNITURE AND OTHER EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AS MAY BE NECESSARY FOR THE
PROPER AND EFFICIENT MANAGEMENT OF THE SCHOOLS AND OTHER EDUCATIONAL,
SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS IN THE CITY DISTRICT;
(F) APPROVE A PLAN DEVELOPED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT TO ENSURE THAT ALL
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS TO BE USED IN THE SCHOOLS OF THE DISTRICT ARE
AVAILABLE IN A USABLE ALTERNATIVE FORMAT FOR EACH STUDENT WITH A DISA-
BILITY, AS DEFINED IN SECTION FORTY-FOUR HUNDRED ONE OF THIS CHAPTER,
AND FOR EACH STUDENT WHO IS A QUALIFIED INDIVIDUAL WITH A DISABILITY AS
DEFINED IN THE REHABILITATION ACT OF NINETEEN HUNDRED NINETY-THREE (29
S. 8156 5
U.S.C. 701), AS AMENDED, IN ACCORDANCE WITH HIS OR HER EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
AND COURSE SELECTION, AT THE SAME TIME AS SUCH INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
ARE AVAILABLE TO NON-DISABLED STUDENTS. AS PART OF SUCH PLAN, THE SUPER-
INTENDENT SHALL AMEND THE CITY DISTRICT'S PROCUREMENT POLICIES TO GIVE A
PREFERENCE IN THE PURCHASE OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS TO VENDORS WHO
AGREE TO PROVIDE MATERIALS IN ALTERNATIVE FORMATS. FOR PURPOSES OF THIS
SUBDIVISION, "ALTERNATIVE FORMAT" SHALL MEAN ANY MEDIUM OR FORMAT FOR
THE PRESENTATION OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS, OTHER THAN A TRADITIONAL
PRINT TEXTBOOK, THAT IS NEEDED AS AN ACCOMMODATION FOR A DISABLED
STUDENT ENROLLED IN THE SCHOOL DISTRICT, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
BRAILLE, LARGE PRINT, OPEN AND CLOSED CAPTIONED, AUDIO, OR AN ELECTRONIC
FILE IN AN APPROVED FORMAT, AS DEFINED IN THE REGULATIONS OF THE COMMIS-
SIONER. WHEN AN ELECTRONIC FILE IS PROVIDED, THE PLAN SHALL SPECIFY HOW
THE FORMAT WILL BE ACCESSED BY STUDENTS AND/OR HOW THE DISTRICT SHALL
CONVERT TO AN ACCESSIBLE FORMAT. SUCH PLAN SHALL IDENTIFY THE NEEDS OF
STUDENTS RESIDING IN THE DISTRICT FOR ALTERNATIVE FORMAT MATERIALS. SUCH
PLAN SHALL ALSO SPECIFY ORDERING TIMELINES TO ENSURE THAT ALTERNATIVE
FORMAT MATERIALS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SAME TIME AS REGULAR FORMAT MATE-
RIALS. SUCH PLANS SHALL INCLUDE PROCEDURES TO ADDRESS THE NEED TO
OBTAIN MATERIALS IN ALTERNATIVE FORMAT WITHOUT DELAY FOR DISABLED
STUDENTS WHO MOVE INTO THE SCHOOL DISTRICT DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR;
(G) APPROVE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SUCH FREE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS, HIGH
SCHOOLS, TRAINING SCHOOLS, VOCATIONAL AND INDUSTRIAL SCHOOLS, KINDERGAR-
TENS, NURSERY SCHOOLS, TECHNICAL SCHOOLS, NIGHT SCHOOLS, PART-TIME OR
CONTINUATION SCHOOLS, VOCATION SCHOOLS, SCHOOLS FOR ADULTS, SCHOOLS FOR
PHYSICALLY OR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED OR DELINQUENT CHILDREN OR SUCH OTHER
SCHOOLS OR CLASSES AS THE SUPERINTENDENT SHALL DEEM NECESSARY TO MEET
THE NEEDS AND DEMANDS OF THE CITY;
(H) AUTHORIZE THE GENERAL COURSES OF STUDY WHICH SHALL BE GIVEN IN THE
SCHOOLS AND TO APPROVE THE CONTENT OF SUCH COURSES BEFORE THEY BECOME
OPERATIVE;
(I) AUTHORIZE AND APPROVE THE TEXTBOOKS TO BE USED IN THE SCHOOLS
UNDER ITS JURISDICTION;
(J) PERFORM SUCH OTHER DUTIES AND POSSESS SUCH OTHER POWERS AS MAY BE
REQUIRED TO ADMINISTER THE AFFAIRS PLACED UNDER ITS CONTROL AND MANAGE-
MENT, TO EXECUTE ALL POWERS VESTED IN IT, AND TO PROMOTE THE BEST INTER-
ESTS OF THE SCHOOLS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES COMMITTED TO ITS CARE;
(K) APPROVE TRANSPORTATION, HOME-TEACHING OR SPECIAL CLASSES, AS
DEFINED UNDER SECTIONS FORTY-FOUR HUNDRED ONE AND FORTY-FOUR HUNDRED TWO
OF THIS CHAPTER FOR PHYSICALLY OR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED AND DELINQUENT
CHILDREN. SUCH TRANSPORTATION, HOME-TEACHING OR SPECIAL CLASSES, WHEN
PROVIDED PURSUANT TO THIS SUBDIVISION, SHALL BE GRANTED TO ALL SUCH
CHILDREN IRRESPECTIVE OF THE SCHOOL THEY LEGALLY ATTEND;
(L) APPROVE ANY CONTRACT PROPOSED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT FOR THE TRANS-
PORTATION OF CHILDREN TO AND FROM ANY SCHOOL OR INSTITUTION OF LEARNING
WHENEVER IN THE JUDGMENT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT SUCH TRANSPORTATION IS
REQUIRED BECAUSE OF THE REMOTENESS OF THE SCHOOL TO THE PUPIL OR FOR THE
PROMOTION OF THE BEST INTERESTS OF SUCH CHILDREN. ANY SUCH CONTRACT MAY
BE MADE FOR A PERIOD NOT EXCEEDING FIVE YEARS, NOTWITHSTANDING ANY
PROVISION OF STATE OR LOCAL LAW;
(M) APPROVE, OUTSIDE THE TERRITORIAL LIMITS OF THE CITY DISTRICT BUT
WITHIN THE STATE OR WITHIN AN ADJOINING STATE, THE PROVISION OF EDUCA-
TION FOR CHILDREN RESIDENT WITHIN THE CITY DISTRICT WHENEVER IN THE
JUDGMENT OF THE BOARD, APPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONER, THE HEALTH OR
WELFARE OF SUCH CHILDREN MAKES SUCH PROVISION NECESSARY OR DESIRABLE,
AND THE AVERAGE DAILY ATTENDANCE OF SUCH PUPILS SHALL BE INCLUDED IN THE
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AVERAGE DAILY ATTENDANCE OF SUCH DISTRICT AS CERTIFIED TO THE COMMIS-
SIONER IN THE REPORT OF THE BOARD;
(N) APPROVE THE PROCESS DEVELOPED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT FOR THE
RECRUITMENT, SCREENING AND SELECTION OF CANDIDATES FOR SCHOOL PRINCI-
PALS; AND
(O) APPROVE THE PROCESSES DEVELOPED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT FOR THE
SELECTION OF MEMBERS TO THE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS ADVISORY COUNCILS PURSUANT
TO SECTION TWENTY-FIVE HUNDRED NINETY-ONE-F OF THIS ARTICLE.
5. THE BOARD SHALL ADOPT A POLICY PROPOSED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT THAT
PROMOTES THE RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION OF A WORKFORCE AT THE CITY
DISTRICT THAT CONSIDERS THE DIVERSITY OF THE STUDENTS ATTENDING THE
PUBLIC SCHOOLS WITHIN THE CITY DISTRICT. THE BOARD SHALL REVIEW AT A
REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING AN ANNUAL REPORT ISSUED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT
OUTLINING THE INITIATIVES TAKEN TO ENHANCE DIVERSITY AND EQUITY IN
RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION AND THE IMPACTS OF SUCH INITIATIVES TO THE
CITY WORKFORCE.
S 2591-E. SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS; APPOINTMENT; POWERS AND DUTIES.
1. THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS SHALL SERVE AT THE PLEASURE OF AND BE
EMPLOYED BY THE MAYOR, SUBJECT TO THE CONFIRMATION OF THE COMMON COUN-
CIL. THE SUPERINTENDENT SHALL RECEIVE A SALARY TO BE FIXED BY THE MAYOR
WITHIN THE BUDGETARY ALLOCATION THEREFOR. THE SUPERINTENDENT MAY BE
REMOVED BY THE MAYOR WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL.
2. THE SUPERINTENDENT SHALL HAVE THE FOLLOWING POWERS AND DUTIES:
(A) TO BE THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE CITY DISTRICT, AND SHALL
BE A NON-VOTING EX OFFICIO MEMBER OF THE BOARD.
(B) CONTROL AND OPERATE ALL PRE-KINDERGARTEN, ELEMENTARY, SECONDARY
AND SPECIAL EDUCATION SCHOOLS, PROGRAMS AND SERVICES UNDER THE JURISDIC-
TION OF THE CITY DISTRICT.
(C) PROMULGATE MINIMUM CLEAR EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS, CURRICULUM
REQUIREMENTS AND FRAMEWORKS AND MANDATORY EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES APPLI-
CABLE TO ALL SCHOOLS AND PROGRAMS THROUGHOUT THE CITY DISTRICT, AND
EXAMINE AND EVALUATE PERIODICALLY ALL SUCH SCHOOLS AND PROGRAMS WITH
RESPECT TO:
(I) COMPLIANCE WITH SUCH EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS,
AND
(II) THE EDUCATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS OF SUCH SCHOOLS AND PROGRAMS, IN A
MANNER NOT INCONSISTENT WITH THE POLICIES OF THE BOARD.
(D) PREPARE THE CONTENT OF EACH COURSE OF STUDY AUTHORIZED BY THE
BOARD. THE CONTENT OF EACH SUCH COURSE SHALL BE SUBMITTED TO THE BOARD
FOR ITS APPROVAL AND, WHEN APPROVED, THE SUPERINTENDENT SHALL CAUSE SUCH
COURSES OF STUDY TO BE USED IN THE GRADES, CLASSES AND SCHOOLS FOR WHICH
THEY ARE AUTHORIZED.
(E) PREPARE AND FILE A BUDGET ESTIMATE WITH THE MAYOR FOR THE CITY
DISTRICT PURSUANT TO SECTION TWENTY-FIVE HUNDRED NINETY-ONE-I OF THIS
ARTICLE.
(F) RECOMMEND SUITABLE LISTS OF TEXTBOOKS TO BE USED IN THE SCHOOLS.
(G) PROMULGATE POLICIES ESTABLISHING EDUCATIONAL, MANAGERIAL, AND
ADMINISTRATIVE QUALIFICATIONS, PERFORMANCE RECORD CRITERIA, AND PERFORM-
ANCE STANDARDS FOR THE POSITIONS OF PRINCIPAL.
(H) ESTABLISH, SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE BOARD, A PUBLICLY INCLU-
SIVE PROCESS FOR THE RECRUITMENT, SCREENING AND SELECTION OF CANDIDATES
FOR SCHOOL PRINCIPALS.
(I) APPOINT AND HAVE SUPERVISION AND DIRECTION OF ASSOCIATE, ASSIST-
ANT, AND OTHER SUPERINTENDENTS, DIRECTORS, SUPERVISORS, PRINCIPALS,
TEACHERS, ATTENDANCE OFFICERS, JANITORS AND OTHER PERSONS EMPLOYED IN
S. 8156 7
THE MANAGEMENT OF THE SCHOOLS OR THE OTHER EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES OF THE
CITY AUTHORIZED BY THIS ARTICLE.
(J) TRANSFER TEACHERS FROM ONE SCHOOL TO ANOTHER, OR FROM ONE GRADE OF
THE COURSE OF STUDY TO ANOTHER GRADE IN SUCH COURSE, AND TO SUSPEND AN
ASSOCIATE, ASSISTANT OR OTHER SUPERINTENDENT, DIRECTOR, SUPERVISOR,
PRINCIPAL, TEACHER OR OTHER EMPLOYEE UNTIL SUCH TIME WHEN ALL FACTS
RELATING TO THE CASE SHALL BE SUBMITTED TO THE BOARD FOR ITS CONSIDER-
ATION AND ACTION.
(K) HAVE SUPERVISION AND DIRECTION OVER THE ENFORCEMENT AND OBSERVANCE
OF THE COURSES OF STUDY, THE EXAMINATION AND PROMOTION OF PUPILS, AND
OVER ALL OTHER MATTERS PERTAINING TO PLAYGROUNDS, MEDICAL INSPECTION,
RECREATION AND SOCIAL CENTER WORK, LIBRARIES, LECTURES AND ALL OTHER
EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND INTEREST UNDER THE MANAGEMENT, DIRECTION AND
CONTROL OF THE BOARD.
(L) PROMOTE THE INVOLVEMENT AND APPROPRIATE INPUT OF ALL MEMBERS OF
THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY, INCLUDING PARENTS, TEACHERS, AND OTHER SCHOOL
PERSONNEL, INCLUDING, ESTABLISHING A PARENTS' ASSOCIATION OR A
PARENT-TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION IN EACH SCHOOL IN THE CITY DISTRICT.
(M) CREATE STANDARDS, POLICIES AND OBJECTIVES DIRECTLY RELATED TO
MAINTAINING THE INTERNAL FISCAL INTEGRITY OF ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS
OF THE CITY DISTRICT.
(N) ESTABLISH UNIFORM PROCEDURES FOR RECORD KEEPING, ACCOUNTING AND
REPORTING THROUGHOUT THE CITY DISTRICT, INCLUDING PUPIL RECORD KEEPING,
ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING.
(O) DEVELOP, SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE BOARD, A PROCUREMENT POLI-
CY FOR THE CITY DISTRICT, CONSISTENT WITH THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION ONE
HUNDRED THREE OF THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL LAW, WHICH POLICY SHALL INCLUDE
PROVISIONS FOR EMERGENCY PROCUREMENTS; A PLAN TO ENSURE THAT ALL
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS ARE AVAILABLE IN A USABLE ALTERNATIVE FORMAT FOR
DISABLED STUDENTS PURSUANT TO SUBDIVISION FOUR OF SECTION TWENTY-FIVE
HUNDRED NINETY-ONE-D OF THIS ARTICLE; AND SHALL ALSO INCLUDE THE
REQUIREMENT THAT THE BOARD MUST APPROVE ANY CONTRACT AWARDED BY THE CITY
DISTRICT OR THE SUPERINTENDENT WHERE:
(I) SUCH CONTRACT WAS LET BY A PROCUREMENT METHOD OTHER THAN COMPET-
ITIVE SEALED BIDDING, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO COMPETITIVE SEALED
PROPOSALS, OR SOLE SOURCE CONTRACTS. IN THE CASE OF A SOLE SOURCE
CONTRACT, PRIOR TO THE SUBMISSION OF THE CONTRACT FOR APPROVAL, THE
CORPORATION COUNSEL OF THE CITY SHALL CERTIFY THAT THE LEGAL AND PROCE-
DURAL REQUISITES FOR THE SOLICITATION AND AWARD OF A SOLE SOURCE
CONTRACT HAVE BEEN COMPLIED WITH;
(II) SUCH CONTRACT PROVIDES FOR TECHNICAL, CONSULTANT OR PERSONAL
SERVICES;
(III) THE VALUE OF SUCH CONTRACT EXCEEDS, OR PROJECTS AN ANNUAL
EXPENDITURE EXCEEDING, FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS; OR
(IV) THE VALUE OF ANY CONTRACTS AWARDED TO A SINGLE ENTITY EXCEEDS
FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ANNUALLY.
(P) PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION, HOME-TEACHING OR SPECIAL CLASSES FOR PHYS-
ICALLY OR MENTALLY DISABLED AND DELINQUENT CHILDREN. SUCH TRANSPORTA-
TION, HOME-TEACHING OR SPECIAL CLASSES, WHEN PROVIDED PURSUANT TO THIS
PARAGRAPH, SHALL BE GRANTED TO ALL SUCH CHILDREN IRRESPECTIVE OF THE
SCHOOL THEY LEGALLY ATTEND.
(Q) TO HOLD REGULAR PUBLIC MEETINGS IN EACH COUNCIL DISTRICT, IN
CONJUNCTION WITH THE ADVISORY COUNCIL IN ORDER TO REPORT ON PUBLIC
SCHOOL FINANCES, STUDENT PERFORMANCE, AND EDUCATIONAL GOALS AND PRIORI-
TIES OF THE CITY DISTRICT AND TO RECEIVE AND RESPOND TO PUBLIC COMMENTS
AND CONCERNS. THE SUPERINTENDENT SHALL PROVIDE PUBLIC NOTICE OF SUCH
S. 8156 8
MEETINGS IN ORDER TO MAXIMIZE THE PARTICIPATION OF PARENTS, STUDENTS AND
ALL OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES.
(R) PROVIDE INFORMATION, DATA, ESTIMATES AND STATISTICS REGARDING ALL
MATTERS RELATING TO THE CITY DISTRICT AS REQUESTED BY THE DIRECTOR OF
THE INDEPENDENT EDUCATION BUDGET OFFICE ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO THE
CHARTER OF THE CITY OF ROCHESTER.
(S) ISSUE AN ANNUAL REPORT ON THE PARTICIPATION OF MINORITY AND WOMEN
OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES IN THE CITY DISTRICT'S PROCUREMENT PROCESS
INCLUDING THE NUMBER OF CONTRACTS AWARDED TO MINORITY AND WOMEN OWNED
BUSINESS ENTERPRISES, THE PERCENT OF CONTRACTS AWARDED TO MINORITY AND
WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ALL CITY
DISTRICT CONTRACTS, THE AGGREGATE VALUE OF ALL CONTRACTS AWARDED TO
MINORITY AND WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES, AND THE PERCENT OF THE
AGGREGATE VALUE OF CONTRACTS AWARDED TO MINORITY AND WOMEN OWNED BUSI-
NESS ENTERPRISES OF THE TOTAL AGGREGATE VALUE OF ALL CITY DISTRICT
CONTRACTS.
(T) PROPOSE A POLICY FOR BOARD APPROVAL THAT PROMOTES THE RECRUITMENT
AND RETENTION OF A WORKFORCE AT THE CITY DISTRICT THAT CONSIDERS THE
DIVERSITY OF THE STUDENTS ATTENDING THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS WITHIN THE CITY
DISTRICT. THE SUPERINTENDENT SHALL ISSUE AN ANNUAL REPORT OUTLINING THE
INITIATIVES TAKEN TO ENHANCE DIVERSITY AND EQUITY IN RECRUITMENT AND
RETENTION AND THE IMPACTS OF SUCH INITIATIVES TO THE WORKFORCE AT THE
CITY DISTRICT.
(U) ENFORCE ALL PROVISIONS OF LAW AND ALL POLICIES RELATING TO THE
MANAGEMENT OF THE SCHOOLS AND OTHER EDUCATIONAL, SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL
ACTIVITIES UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE BOARD.
(V) CREATE, ABOLISH, AND CONSOLIDATE SUCH POSITIONS, DIVISIONS, BOARDS
OR BUREAUS AS MAY BE NECESSARY FOR THE PROPER AND EFFICIENT ADMINIS-
TRATION OF THE CITY DISTRICT.
(W) HAVE THE CARE, CUSTODY, CONTROL AND SAFEKEEPING OF ALL SCHOOL
PROPERTY OR OTHER PROPERTY OF THE CITY USED FOR EDUCATIONAL, SOCIAL OR
RECREATIONAL WORK AND NOT SPECIFICALLY PLACED BY LAW UNDER THE CONTROL
OF SOME OTHER BODY OR OFFICER, AND TO PRESCRIBE POLICIES FOR THE PRESER-
VATION OF SUCH PROPERTY.
(X) ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN LIBRARIES WHICH MAY BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC,
TO ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN PUBLIC LECTURE COURSES, AND TO ESTABLISH AND
EQUIP PLAYGROUNDS, RECREATION CENTERS, SOCIAL CENTERS, AND READING ROOMS
FROM SUCH FUNDS AS THIS CHAPTER OR OTHER STATUTES AUTHORIZE AND THE
STATE APPROPRIATES FOR SUCH PURPOSES, AND FROM SUCH OTHER FUNDS AS MAY
BE PROVIDED THEREFOR FROM LOCAL TAXATION OR OTHER SOURCES.
(Y) CONDUCT AND MAINTAIN SUCH EXTRA CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING
THE OPERATION OF CAFETERIAS OR RESTAURANT SERVICE FOR PUPILS AND TEACH-
ERS, AS THE SUPERINTENDENT, FROM TIME TO TIME, SHALL DEEM PROPER. SUCH
CAFETERIAS OR RESTAURANT SERVICE MAY BE USED BY THE COMMUNITY FOR SCHOOL
RELATED FUNCTIONS AND ACTIVITIES AND TO FURNISH MEALS TO THE ELDERLY
RESIDENTS, SIXTY YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER, OF THE DISTRICT. CHARGES SHALL
BE SUFFICIENT TO MEET THE DIRECT COST OF PREPARING AND SERVING SUCH
MEALS, REDUCIBLE BY AVAILABLE REIMBURSEMENTS.
(Z) IN HIS OR HER DISCRETION, PURCHASE INSURANCE AGAINST PERSONAL
INJURIES INCURRED BY AN AUTHORIZED PARTICIPANT IN A SCHOOL VOLUNTEER
PROGRAM, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THOSE AUTHORIZED PARTICIPANTS WHO
ASSIST ON SCHOOL BUSES, SCHOOL SPONSORED TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM
SCHOOL, OR ON SCHOOL SPONSORED FIELD TRIPS OR ANY OTHER SCHOOL SPONSORED
ACTIVITY; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE INJURIES WERE INCURRED WHILE THE
AUTHORIZED PARTICIPANT WAS FUNCTIONING EITHER WITHIN THE SCOPE OF HIS OR
HER AUTHORIZED VOLUNTEER DUTIES OR UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE BOARD.
S. 8156 9
(AA) WHERE THE DISTRICT HAS PROVIDED TRANSPORTATION TO STUDENTS
ENROLLED IN SUCH DISTRICT TO A SCHOOL SPONSORED FIELD TRIP, EXTRACURRIC-
ULAR ACTIVITY OR ANY OTHER SIMILAR EVENT, PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION BACK TO
EITHER THE POINT OF DEPARTURE OR TO THE APPROPRIATE SCHOOL IN THE
DISTRICT, UNLESS THE PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN OF A STUDENT PARTICIPATING
IN SUCH EVENT HAS PROVIDED THE SCHOOL DISTRICT WITH WRITTEN NOTICE,
CONSISTENT WITH DISTRICT POLICY, AUTHORIZING AN ALTERNATIVE FORM OF
RETURN TRANSPORTATION FOR SUCH STUDENT OR UNLESS INTERVENING CIRCUM-
STANCES MAKE SUCH TRANSPORTATION IMPRACTICAL. IN CASES WHERE INTERVENING
CIRCUMSTANCES MAKE TRANSPORTATION OF A STUDENT BACK TO THE POINT OF
DEPARTURE OR TO THE APPROPRIATE SCHOOL IN THE DISTRICT IMPRACTICAL, A
REPRESENTATIVE OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT SHALL REMAIN WITH THE STUDENT
UNTIL SUCH STUDENT'S PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN HAS BEEN (I) CONTACTED AND
INFORMED OF THE INTERVENING CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH MAKE SUCH TRANSPORTATION
IMPRACTICAL AND (II) SUCH STUDENT HAD BEEN DELIVERED TO HIS OR HER
PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN.
(BB) EACH YEAR, PREPARE A SCHOOL DISTRICT REPORT CARD IN ACCORDANCE
WITH SUBDIVISION TWENTY-FOUR OF SECTION TWENTY-FIVE HUNDRED FIFTY-FOUR
OF THIS TITLE.
(CC) AMEND THE CITY DISTRICT'S FIVE YEAR CAPITAL FACILITIES PLAN TO
INCLUDE INFORMATION ON ANY NEW PROJECT CONTAINED IN THE ANNUAL COMPRE-
HENSIVE SCHOOL FACILITIES MODERNIZATION PLAN APPROVED PURSUANT TO CHAP-
TER FOUR HUNDRED SIXTEEN OF THE LAWS OF TWO THOUSAND SEVEN.
(DD) IN HIS OR HER DISCRETION, TO PROVIDE UNDER A GROUP INSURANCE
POLICY OR POLICIES ISSUED BY ANY INSURANCE COMPANY OR INSURANCE COMPA-
NIES AUTHORIZED TO DO BUSINESS IN THIS STATE OR UNDER A GROUP CONTRACT
ISSUED BY ONE OR MORE CORPORATIONS SUBJECT TO ARTICLE FORTY-THREE OF THE
INSURANCE LAW, LIFE INSURANCE OR ACCIDENT AND HEALTH INSURANCE BENEFITS
OR MEDICAL AND SURGICAL BENEFITS OR HOSPITAL SERVICE BENEFITS OR ANY TWO
OR MORE OF SUCH KINDS OF BENEFITS TO TEACHERS AND OTHER EMPLOYEES OF THE
SCHOOL DISTRICT WHO PARTICIPATE IN A PLAN OR PLANS, AS HEREINAFTER
PROVIDED. THE DISBURSING OFFICER OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IS AUTHORIZED TO
DEDUCT FROM THE SALARY OF SUCH PARTICIPANT WITH HIS OR HER PRIOR
CONSENT, IN WRITING, THE SUMS REPRESENTING THE PARTICIPANT'S SHARE OF
THE PREMIUM OR PREMIUMS WHICH ARE PAYABLE BY SUCH OFFICER TO SUCH INSUR-
ANCE COMPANY OR CORPORATION. THE SUPERINTENDENT IS AUTHORIZED TO PAY
FROM SUCH MONEYS AS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE PURPOSE, A SHARE OF THE COST
OF SUCH BENEFIT OR BENEFITS IN SUCH AMOUNT AS IS REQUIRED TO BE PAID
UNDER SUCH GROUP INSURANCE POLICY OR POLICIES OR GROUP CONTRACT OR
CONTRACTS BY THE BOARD, AS EMPLOYER. THE SUM TO BE PAID BY THE SUPER-
INTENDENT UNDER SUCH POLICY OR POLICIES OR CONTRACT OR CONTRACTS, IN THE
DISCRETION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, MAY BE ANY PERCENTAGE OF THE TOTAL
COST OF THE BENEFIT OR BENEFITS INCLUDING THE WHOLE THEREOF.
(EE) DEVELOP A PROCESS, TO BE APPROVED BY THE BOARD, FOR THE SELECTION
OF MEMBERS TO THE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS ADVISORY COUNCILS PURSUANT TO
SECTION TWENTY-FIVE HUNDRED NINETY-ONE-F OF THIS ARTICLE.
3. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISIONS OF LAW TO THE CONTRARY, PUBLIC
SCHOOLS WITHIN THE CITY DISTRICT SHALL BE CLOSED PURSUANT TO THE
REQUIREMENTS OF THIS SUBDIVISION.
(A) THE SUPERINTENDENT SHALL DEVELOP A PROTOCOL FOR SCHOOL CLOSURES
THAT SHALL BE APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION. SUCH PROTOCOL SHALL
INCLUDE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF QUANTIFIABLE STANDARDS AND CRITERIA FOR
EVERY PROPOSED SCHOOL CLOSURE THAT ADDRESS:
(I) THE SCHOOL'S ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE, INCLUDING STANDARDS AND CRITE-
RIA TO IDENTIFY FOR CLOSURE THE PERSISTENTLY LOWEST-ACHIEVING SCHOOLS IN
S. 8156 10
THE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT THAT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT STUDENT PERFORMANCE ON
EXISTING STATE ASSESSMENTS AND GRADUATION RATES;
(II) THE SCHOOL'S RESPONSIVENESS TO PREVIOUS SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT OR
TURNAROUND EFFORTS; AND
(III) THE CURRENT AND PROJECTED PUPIL ENROLLMENT OF THE AFFECTED
SCHOOL AND THE PROSPECTIVE NEED FOR SUCH SCHOOL BUILDING.
(B) THE SUPERINTENDENT SHALL PREPARE A SCHOOL CLOSURE PLAN FOR EACH
PROPOSED CLOSURE BASED ON THE PROTOCOL ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH
(A) OF THIS SUBDIVISION THAT SHALL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
(I) THE RAMIFICATIONS OF SUCH SCHOOL CLOSURE UPON THE COMMUNITY,
INITIAL COSTS AND SAVINGS RESULTING FROM SUCH SCHOOL CLOSURE, THE POTEN-
TIAL DISPOSABILITY OF ANY CLOSED SCHOOL;
(II) THE IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED SCHOOL CLOSURE TO ANY AFFECTED
STUDENTS AND THE ABILITY OF OTHER SCHOOLS IN THE AFFECTED COMMUNITY TO
ACCOMMODATE PUPILS FOLLOWING THE SCHOOL CLOSURE;
(III) AN OUTLINE OF ANY PROPOSED OR POTENTIAL USE OF THE SCHOOL BUILD-
ING FOR OTHER EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS OR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES;
(IV) THE EFFECT OF SUCH SCHOOL CLOSURE ON PERSONNEL NEEDS, THE COSTS
OF INSTRUCTION, ADMINISTRATION, TRANSPORTATION, AND OTHER SUPPORT
SERVICES; AND
(V) THE TYPE, AGE, AND PHYSICAL CONDITION OF SUCH SCHOOL BUILDING,
MAINTENANCE, AND ENERGY COSTS, RECENT OR PLANNED IMPROVEMENTS TO SUCH
SCHOOL BUILDING, AND SUCH BUILDING'S SPECIAL FEATURES.
(C) SUCH SCHOOL CLOSURE PLAN SHALL BE MADE PUBLICLY AVAILABLE, INCLUD-
ING VIA THE BOARD OF EDUCATION'S OFFICIAL INTERNET WEBSITE, AND A COPY
SHALL ALSO BE FILED WITH THE AFFECTED COMMUNITY SCHOOLS ADVISORY COUNCIL
AT LEAST SIX MONTHS IN ADVANCE OF THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL IN THE
SUCCEEDING SCHOOL YEAR.
(D) WITHIN SIXTY DAYS FOLLOWING THE FILING OF THE SCHOOL CLOSURE PLAN,
THE SUPERINTENDENT SHALL HOLD A JOINT PUBLIC HEARING WITH THE IMPACTED
COMMUNITY SCHOOLS ADVISORY COUNCIL AT THE SCHOOL THAT IS SUBJECT TO THE
PROPOSED SCHOOL CLOSING, AND SHALL ALLOW ALL INTERESTED PARTIES AN
OPPORTUNITY TO PRESENT COMMENTS OR CONCERNS REGARDING THE PROPOSED
SCHOOL CLOSING. THE SUPERINTENDENT SHALL ENSURE THAT NOTICE OF SUCH
JOINT HEARING IS WIDELY AND CONSPICUOUSLY POSTED IN SUCH A MANNER TO
MAXIMIZE THE NUMBER OF AFFECTED INDIVIDUALS THAT RECEIVE NOTICE, INCLUD-
ING PROVIDING NOTICE TO AFFECTED PARENTS AND STUDENTS AND THE ELECTED
STATE AND LOCAL OFFICIALS WHO REPRESENT THE AFFECTED COMMUNITIES.
(E) THE SUPERINTENDENT SHALL RENDER A DECISION ON ALL PROPOSED SCHOOL
CLOSURES; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, A SCHOOL CLOSURE SHALL NOT TAKE EFFECT
UNTIL ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SUBDIVISION HAVE BEEN SATISFIED AND THE
SCHOOL YEAR IN WHICH THE DECISION TO CLOSE SUCH SCHOOL WAS MADE, HAS
ENDED.
4. THE SUPERINTENDENT SHALL REQUIRE, FOR PURPOSES OF A CRIMINAL HISTO-
RY RECORD CHECK, THE FINGERPRINTING OF ALL PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYEES PURSU-
ANT TO SECTION THREE THOUSAND THIRTY-FIVE OF THIS CHAPTER, WHO DO NOT
HOLD VALID CLEARANCE PURSUANT TO SUCH SECTION OR PURSUANT TO SECTION
THREE THOUSAND FOUR-B OF THIS CHAPTER OR SECTION FIVE HUNDRED NINE-CC OR
TWELVE HUNDRED TWENTY-NINE-D OF THE VEHICLE AND TRAFFIC LAW IN ACCORD-
ANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF SUBDIVISION TWENTY-FIVE OF SECTION
TWENTY-FIVE HUNDRED FIFTY-FOUR OF THIS TITLE.
5. NOTHING IN THIS ARTICLE SHALL BE CONSTRUED TO AUTHORIZE THE SUPER-
INTENDENT TO BE OR ACT AS A CHARTER ENTITY PURSUANT TO ARTICLE FIFTY-SIX
OF THIS TITLE.
S 2591-F. COMMUNITY SCHOOLS ADVISORY COUNCILS; COMPOSITION; POWERS AND
DUTIES. 1. (A) THERE SHALL BE ESTABLISHED IN EACH COUNCIL DISTRICT A
S. 8156 11
COMMUNITY SCHOOLS ADVISORY COUNCIL. THE COUNCILS SHALL CONSIST OF FIVE
VOTING MEMBERS, WHO SHALL BE:
(I) A RESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL DISTRICT;
(II) AN ELIGIBLE VOTER PURSUANT TO SECTION 5-102 OF THE ELECTION LAW;
AND
(III) A PARENT OF A CHILD ATTENDING A SCHOOL LOCATED WITHIN THE COUN-
CIL DISTRICT, OR HAVE ATTENDED A SCHOOL WITHIN THE COUNCIL DISTRICT
WITHIN THE PRECEDING YEAR, AND SELECTED BY THE PRESIDENTS AND OFFICERS
OF THE PARENTS' ASSOCIATIONS OR PARENT-TEACHERS' ASSOCIATIONS OF SCHOOLS
LOCATED IN THE COUNCIL DISTRICT.
(B) SUCH MEMBERS SHALL SERVE FOR A TERM OF TWO YEARS AND SHALL NOT BE
PAID A SALARY OR STIPEND, BUT SHALL BE REIMBURSED FOR ALL ACTUAL AND
NECESSARY EXPENSES DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
OF THE ADVISORY COUNCIL.
(C) PRESIDENTS AND OFFICERS OF PARENTS' ASSOCIATIONS OR PARENT-TEACH-
ERS' ASSOCIATIONS WHO ARE CANDIDATES IN THE SELECTION PROCESS PURSUANT
TO THIS SECTION SHALL NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO CAST VOTES IN SUCH SELECTION
PROCESS. THE ASSOCIATION SHALL ELECT A MEMBER TO VOTE IN THE PLACE OF
EACH SUCH PRESIDENT OR OFFICER FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE SELECTION PROC-
ESS.
2. (A) THE SUPERINTENDENT SHALL:
(I) DEVELOP SELECTION PROCEDURES TO BE APPROVED BY THE BOARD FOR ADVI-
SORY COUNCIL MEMBERS WHICH, TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT POSSIBLE, SHALL
ATTEMPT TO ENSURE A MEMBERSHIP THAT REFLECTS A REPRESENTATIVE CROSS-SEC-
TION OF THE COMMUNITIES WITHIN THE COUNCIL DISTRICT AND DIVERSITY OF THE
STUDENT POPULATION INCLUDING THOSE WITH PARTICULAR EDUCATIONAL NEEDS;
(II) REQUIRE FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE BY THE APPOINTEES;
(III) ESTABLISH POLICIES PROHIBITING POLITICAL ENDORSEMENTS OF AND
CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS TO NOMINEES; AND
(IV) BEGINNING IN SEPTEMBER OF EACH SCHOOL YEAR AND CONTINUING UNTIL
THE DATE OF SELECTION, ENSURE THE DISTRIBUTION OF GUIDES TO PARENTS IN
ADDITION TO INFORMATION REGARDING ADVISORY COUNCIL ROLES, FUNCTIONS, AND
ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING UPCOMING PARENTS' ASSOCIATION AND PARENT-TEACHERS'
ASSOCIATION ELECTIONS, CANDIDATE INFORMATION, AND THE NATURE OF THE
SELECTION PROCESS.
(B) FOR THE INITIAL ADVISORY COUNCIL, SUCH MEMBERS MUST BE SELECTED ON
OR BEFORE OCTOBER THIRTY-FIRST, TWO THOUSAND ELEVEN, WITH TERMS COMMENC-
ING ON DECEMBER FIRST, TWO THOUSAND ELEVEN. THEREAFTER, COMMENCING IN
THE YEAR TWO THOUSAND THIRTEEN, THE SELECTION OF ADVISORY COUNCIL
MEMBERS SHALL OCCUR ON THE SECOND TUESDAY IN MAY, WITH TERMS COMMENCING
ON THE FOLLOWING JULY FIRST.
(C) EACH SUCH ADVISORY COUNCIL SHALL SELECT ONE OF ITS VOTING MEMBERS
TO SERVE AS CHAIR, AND SHALL ALSO APPOINT, FROM AMONG ITS MEMBERS, A
SECRETARY, WHO SHALL PERFORM THE FOLLOWING FUNCTIONS:
(I) PREPARE MEETING NOTICES, AGENDAS AND MINUTES;
(II) RECORD AND MAINTAIN ACCOUNTS OF PROCEEDINGS AND OTHER ADVISORY
COUNCIL MEETINGS; AND
(III) PREPARE BRIEFING MATERIALS AND OTHER RELATED INFORMATIONAL MATE-
RIALS FOR SUCH MEETINGS.
3. (A) NO PERSON MAY SERVE ON MORE THAN ONE ADVISORY COUNCIL OR ON THE
CITY-WIDE COUNCIL ON SPECIAL EDUCATION, THE CITY-WIDE COUNCIL ON ENGLISH
LANGUAGE LEARNERS AND AN ADVISORY COUNCIL. NO PERSON SHALL BE ELIGIBLE
FOR MEMBERSHIP ON AN ADVISORY COUNCIL IF HE OR SHE HOLDS ANY ELECTIVE
PUBLIC OFFICE OR ANY ELECTIVE OR APPOINTED PARTY POSITION EXCEPT THAT OF
DELEGATE OR ALTERNATE DELEGATE TO A NATIONAL, STATE, JUDICIAL OR OTHER
PARTY CONVENTION, OR MEMBER OF A COUNTY COMMITTEE.
S. 8156 12
(B) A PERSON WHO HAS BEEN CONVICTED OF A FELONY, OR HAS BEEN REMOVED
FROM AN ADVISORY COUNCIL, THE CITY-WIDE COUNCIL ON SPECIAL EDUCATION, OR
THE CITY-WIDE COUNCIL ON ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS FOR ANY OF THE
FOLLOWING SHALL BE PERMANENTLY INELIGIBLE FOR APPOINTMENT TO ANY ADVI-
SORY COUNCIL:
(I) AN ACT OF MALFEASANCE DIRECTLY RELATED TO HIS OR HER SERVICE ON
THE ADVISORY COUNCIL, THE CITY-WIDE COUNCIL ON SPECIAL EDUCATION, OR THE
CITY-WIDE COUNCIL ON ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS; OR
(II) CONVICTION OF A CRIME, IF SUCH CRIME IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO HIS
OR HER SERVICE ON THE ADVISORY COUNCIL, THE CITY-WIDE COUNCIL ON SPECIAL
EDUCATION, OR THE CITY-WIDE COUNCIL ON ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS.
(C) VACANCIES SHALL BE FILLED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT FOR AN UNEXPIRED
TERM, AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE ADVISORY COUNCIL.
4. EACH ADVISORY COUNCIL SHALL HAVE THE FOLLOWING POWERS AND DUTIES
WITH RESPECT TO ALL PRE-KINDERGARTEN, PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND
PROGRAMS IN THE COUNCIL DISTRICT. THE ADVISORY COUNCILS SHALL HAVE NO
EXECUTIVE OR ADMINISTRATIVE POWERS OR FUNCTIONS, BUT SHALL HAVE THE
FOLLOWING POWERS AND DUTIES:
(A) PROMOTE ACHIEVEMENT OF EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS AND OBJECTIVES RELAT-
ING TO THE INSTRUCTION OF STUDENTS.
(B) REVIEW, CONDUCT PUBLIC HEARINGS AND COMMENT ON THE ITEMIZED ESTI-
MATE PREPARED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT PURSUANT TO SECTION TWENTY-FIVE
HUNDRED NINETY-ONE-I OF THIS ARTICLE AND SUBMIT ANY COMMENTS OR TESTIMO-
NY BY THE PUBLIC TO THE SUPERINTENDENT.
(C) CONDUCT A JOINT PUBLIC HEARING WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT REGARDING
ANY PROPOSED SCHOOL CLOSING OF ANY PUBLIC SCHOOL LOCATED WITHIN THE
COUNCIL DISTRICT PURSUANT TO SECTION TWENTY-FIVE HUNDRED NINETY-ONE-E OF
THIS ARTICLE.
(D) CONDUCT REGULAR MEETINGS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT TO DISCUSS THE
CURRENT STATE OF THE SCHOOLS IN THE COUNCIL DISTRICT.
(E) REVIEW THE COUNCIL DISTRICT'S EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND ASSESS
THEIR EFFECT ON STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT.
(F) SUBMIT AN ANNUAL EVALUATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT TO THE MAYOR.
(G) PROVIDE INPUT, AS IT DEEMS NECESSARY, TO THE SUPERINTENDENT AND
THE BOARD ON MATTERS OF CONCERN TO THE COUNCIL DISTRICT.
(H) SUBMIT A LIST TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF COUNCIL DISTRICT RESI-
DENTS TO BE CONSIDERED BY SUCH BOARD FOR MEMBERSHIP ON THE CITY-WIDE
COUNCILS ON SPECIAL EDUCATION AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS.
S 2591-G. APPOINTMENT OF TEACHERS, ADMINISTRATORS, SUPERVISORS AND
OTHER EMPLOYEES. 1. TEACHERS AND ALL OTHER MEMBERS OF THE TEACHING
STAFF OF THE CITY DISTRICT SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT OF
SCHOOLS FOR A PROBATIONARY PERIOD OF THREE YEARS, EXCEPT THAT IN THE
CASE OF A TEACHER WHO HAS RENDERED SATISFACTORY SERVICE AS A REGULAR
SUBSTITUTE FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS OR AS A SEASONALLY LICENSED PER
SESSION TEACHER OF SWIMMING IN DAY SCHOOLS WHO HAS SERVED IN THAT CAPAC-
ITY FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS AND HAS BEEN APPOINTED TO TEACH THE SAME
SUBJECT IN DAY SCHOOLS ON AN ANNUAL SALARY, THE PROBATIONARY PERIOD
SHALL BE LIMITED TO ONE YEAR; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT IN THE CASE OF A
TEACHER WHO HAS BEEN APPOINTED ON TENURE IN ANOTHER SCHOOL DISTRICT
WITHIN THE STATE, THE SCHOOL DISTRICT WHERE CURRENTLY EMPLOYED, OR A
BOARD OF COOPERATIVE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES, AND WHO WAS NOT DISMISSED
FROM SUCH DISTRICT OR BOARD AS A RESULT OF CHARGES BROUGHT PURSUANT TO
SUBDIVISION ONE OF SECTION THREE THOUSAND TWENTY-A OF THIS CHAPTER, THE
PROBATIONARY PERIOD SHALL NOT EXCEED TWO YEARS. THE SERVICE OF A PERSON
APPOINTED TO ANY OF SUCH POSITIONS MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME
DURING SUCH PROBATIONARY PERIOD BY THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS. EACH
S. 8156 13
PERSON WHO IS NOT TO BE RECOMMENDED FOR APPOINTMENT ON TENURE SHALL BE
SO NOTIFIED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS IN WRITING NOT LATER THAN
SIXTY DAYS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE EXPIRATION OF HIS OR HER PROBATION-
ARY PERIOD. FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CERTIFICATION AS REQUIRED BY THIS CHAP-
TER AND BY THE REGULATIONS OF THE COMMISSIONER SHALL BE CAUSE FOR
REMOVAL.
2. ADMINISTRATORS, PRINCIPALS, DIRECTORS, SUPERVISORS AND ALL OTHER
MEMBERS OF THE SUPERVISING STAFF SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE SUPERINTEN-
DENT FOR A PROBATIONARY PERIOD OF THREE YEARS. SCHOOL PRINCIPALS SHALL
BE SELECTED PURSUANT TO A PUBLICLY-INCLUSIVE PROCESS FOR THE RECRUIT-
MENT, SCREENING AND SELECTION OF CANDIDATES FOR PRINCIPAL DEVELOPED BY
THE SUPERINTENDENT AND APPROVED BY THE BOARD. THE SERVICE OF A PERSON
APPOINTED TO ANY OF SUCH POSITIONS MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME
DURING THE PROBATIONARY PERIOD BY THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.
3. CLERKS, DRAFTSMEN, INSPECTORS, CHEMISTS, TABULATING MACHINE OPERA-
TORS, SECRETARIES, STENOGRAPHERS, COPYISTS, STATISTICIANS, JANITORS,
CUSTODIANS, CUSTODIAN-ENGINEERS AND ALL OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE EMPLOYEES
OF THE CITY DISTRICT, UNLESS OTHERWISE PROVIDED IN THIS CHAPTER, SHALL
BE APPOINTED FOR A PROBATIONARY PERIOD PROVIDED IN THE CIVIL SERVICE LAW
AND REGULATIONS BASED THEREON. THE SERVICE OF A PERSON APPOINTED TO ANY
OF SUCH POSITIONS MAY BE DISCONTINUED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT AT ANY TIME
DURING SUCH PROBATIONARY PERIOD. SUCH PERSONS WHO HAVE SERVED THE FULL
PROBATIONARY PERIOD SHALL HOLD THEIR RESPECTIVE POSITIONS DURING GOOD
BEHAVIOR AND EFFICIENT AND COMPETENT SERVICE, AND SHALL NOT BE REMOVED
EXCEPT FOR CAUSE.
4. NO PRINCIPAL, SUPERVISOR, DIRECTOR, OR TEACHER SHALL BE APPOINTED
TO THE TEACHING FORCE OF A CITY WHO DOES NOT POSSESS QUALIFICATIONS
REQUIRED UNDER THIS CHAPTER AND UNDER THE REGULATIONS PRESCRIBED BY THE
COMMISSIONER FOR THE PERSONS EMPLOYED IN SUCH POSITIONS IN THE SCHOOLS
OF THE CITIES OF THE STATE, BUT THE SUPERINTENDENT MAY PRESCRIBE ADDI-
TIONAL OR HIGHER QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE PERSONS EMPLOYED IN ANY OF SUCH
POSITIONS.
5. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION OF THIS SECTION, NO PERIOD IN
ANY SCHOOL YEAR FOR WHICH THERE IS NO REQUIRED SERVICE AND/OR FOR WHICH
NO COMPENSATION IS PROVIDED SHALL IN ANY EVENT CONSTITUTE A BREAK OR
SUSPENSION OF PROBATIONARY PERIOD OR CONTINUITY OF TENURE RIGHTS OF ANY
OF THE PERSONS DESCRIBED IN THIS SECTION.
S 2591-H. SCHOOL PRINCIPALS; SELECTION PROCESS; POWERS AND DUTIES. 1.
THE PRINCIPAL SHALL BE THE ADMINISTRATIVE AND INSTRUCTIONAL LEADER OF
THE SCHOOL.
2. THE SUPERINTENDENT SHALL APPOINT A PRINCIPAL PURSUANT TO A PROCESS,
WHICH SHALL BE APPROVED BY THE BOARD, THAT PROMOTES PARENTAL AND STAFF
INVOLVEMENT IN THE RECRUITMENT, SCREENING, INTERVIEWING AND RECOMMENDA-
TION OF CANDIDATES FOR SCHOOL PRINCIPAL. CANDIDATES MUST MEET THE LEGAL
AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS ESTABLISHING EDUCATIONAL, MANAGERIAL, AND
ADMINISTRATIVE QUALIFICATIONS, INCLUDING EVALUATION OF EACH CANDIDATE'S
RECORD OF PERFORMANCE IN COMPARABLE POSITIONS.
3. SUBJECT TO THE REGULATIONS OF THE COMMISSIONER AND APPLICABLE
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS AND OBLIGATIONS, THE PRINCIPAL SHALL BE
RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DAY TO DAY OPERATION OF THE SCHOOL AND SHALL CARRY
OUT THE FOLLOWING DUTIES IN CONSULTATION WITH PARENTS, TEACHERS AND
OTHER STAFF:
(A) PROMOTE AN EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS IN THE
SCHOOL,
(B) (I) SURVEY THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE SCHOOL AND ITS SURROUNDINGS AND
ISSUE AN ANNUAL REPORT THAT ASSESSES THE NEED FOR RESOURCES OR SERVICES,
S. 8156 14
SUCH AS INCREASING SAFETY, IMPROVING INFRASTRUCTURE, AND OTHER CHANGES
THAT COULD BE IMPLEMENTED TO IMPROVE OR ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF
THE NEIGHBORHOOD WHERE THE SCHOOL IS LOCATED.
(II) IN PREPARING THE REPORT, THE PRINCIPAL SHALL, TO THE MAXIMUM
EXTENT AS PRACTICABLE, SEEK AND CONSIDER COMMENTS AND INPUT FROM
AFFECTED STAKEHOLDERS, INCLUDING STUDENTS, TEACHERS, PARENTS, AND OTHER
INTERESTED COMMUNITY MEMBERS. THE PRINCIPAL SHALL SUBMIT THE REPORT AND
RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE SUPERINTENDENT.
(C) MANAGE AND OPERATE THE SCHOOL BUILDING AND OTHER FACILITIES UNDER
HIS OR HER JURISDICTION.
S 2591-I. BUDGETARY AND FISCAL PROCESSES. 1. (A) THE SUPERINTENDENT
SHALL PREPARE ANNUALLY AN ITEMIZED ESTIMATE FOR THE CURRENT OR ENSUING
FISCAL YEAR OF SUCH SUM OF MONEY AS HE OR SHE MAY DEEM NECESSARY FOR THE
PURPOSES STATED IN THIS SECTION, AFTER CREDITING THERETO THE AMOUNT
ANTICIPATED IN THE NEXT APPORTIONMENT OF SCHOOL FUNDS FROM THE STATE AND
THE ESTIMATED AMOUNT TO BE RECEIVED FROM ALL OTHER SOURCES. SUCH ESTI-
MATE SHALL BE FILED WITH THE MAYOR, WHO SHALL PLACE SUCH ESTIMATE BEFORE
THE COMMON COUNCIL AT THE SAME TIME AND IN THE SAME MANNER AS ESTIMATES
FROM CITY DEPARTMENTS ARE PLACED BEFORE SAID BODY, AND SUCH ESTIMATE
SHALL THEREAFTER BE SUBJECT TO THE SAME CONSIDERATION, ACTION AND PROCE-
DURE AS ALL OTHER ESTIMATES FROM CITY DEPARTMENTS. THE COMMON COUNCIL
MAY INCREASE, DIMINISH OR REJECT ANY ITEM CONTAINED IN SUCH ESTIMATE,
EXCEPT FOR FIXED CHARGES FOR WHICH THE CITY IS LIABLE AND SUBJECT TO THE
LIMITATIONS PROVIDED BY SUBDIVISION TWO OF THIS SECTION.
(B) PRIOR TO FILING SUCH ESTIMATE WITH THE MAYOR, THE SUPERINTENDENT
SHALL TRANSMIT A PROPOSED ESTIMATE TO EACH COMMUNITY SCHOOLS ADVISORY
COUNCIL. EACH COMMUNITY SCHOOLS ADVISORY COUNCIL SHALL CONDUCT A PUBLIC
HEARING WITHIN ITS RESPECTIVE COUNCIL DISTRICT TO REVIEW AND SOLICIT
COMMUNITY INPUT AND COMMENTS ON SUCH PROPOSED ESTIMATE. EACH COMMUNITY
SCHOOLS ADVISORY COUNCIL SHALL SUBMIT ANY INPUT OR COMMENTS RECEIVED TO
THE SUPERINTENDENT, WHO SHALL TAKE SUCH INPUT AND COMMENT UNDER ADVISE-
MENT. WHEN THE SUPERINTENDENT FILES THE ESTIMATE WITH THE MAYOR PURSUANT
TO THIS SUBDIVISION, HE OR SHE SHALL ALSO TRANSMIT A COPY OF SUCH ESTI-
MATE TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION.
(C) SUCH ESTIMATES SHALL BE FOR THE FOLLOWING PURPOSES:
(I) THE SALARY OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, ASSOCIATE OR ASSIST-
ANT OR OTHER SUPERINTENDENTS, EXAMINERS, DIRECTORS, SUPERVISORS, PRINCI-
PALS, TEACHERS, LECTURERS, SPECIAL INSTRUCTORS, MEDICAL INSPECTORS,
NURSES, ATTENDANCE OFFICERS, CLERKS, CUSTODIANS AND JANITORS; AND THE
SALARY, FEES OR COMPENSATION OF ALL OTHER EMPLOYEES APPOINTED OR
EMPLOYED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT, INCLUDING STAFF ASSIGNED TO THE BOARD.
IN ADDITION, THE EXPENSES OF PERSONNEL UTILIZED TO FULFILL THE INTERNAL
AUDIT FUNCTION PURSUANT TO SECTION TWENTY-ONE HUNDRED SIXTEEN-B OF THIS
TITLE.
(II) THE OTHER NECESSARY INCIDENTAL AND CONTINGENT EXPENSES, INCLUDING
ORDINARY REPAIRS TO BUILDINGS AND THE PURCHASE OF FUEL AND LIGHT,
SUPPLIES, TEXTBOOKS, SCHOOL APPARATUS, BOOKS, FURNITURE AND FIXTURES AND
OTHER ARTICLES AND SERVICE NECESSARY FOR THE PROPER MAINTENANCE, OPERA-
TION AND SUPPORT OF THE SCHOOLS, LIBRARIES AND OTHER EDUCATIONAL, SOCIAL
OR RECREATIONAL AFFAIRS AND INTERESTS OF THE CITY DISTRICT.
(III) THE REMODELLING OR ENLARGING OF BUILDINGS REQUIRED BY THE CITY
DISTRICT, THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW BUILDINGS FOR USES AUTHORIZED BY THIS
CHAPTER AND THE FURNISHING AND EQUIPMENT THEREOF, THE PURCHASE OF REAL
PROPERTY FOR NEW SITES, ADDITIONS TO PRESENT SITES, PLAYGROUNDS OR
RECREATION CENTERS AND OTHER EDUCATIONAL OR SOCIAL PURPOSES, AND TO MEET
ANY OTHER INDEBTEDNESS OR LIABILITY INCURRED UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF
S. 8156 15
THIS CHAPTER OR OTHER STATUTES, OR ANY OTHER EXPENSES WHICH THE BOARD IS
AUTHORIZED TO INCUR. NOTHING CONTAINED IN THIS CHAPTER SHALL PREVENT THE
FINANCING, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, OF ANY EXPENDITURE ENUMERATED IN THIS
SUBDIVISION PURSUANT TO THE LOCAL FINANCE LAW.
2. (A) FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS SUBDIVISION, THE TERMS:
(I) "CITY FUNDS" SHALL MEAN FUNDS OF THE CITY OF ROCHESTER DERIVED
FROM ANY SOURCE EXCEPT FUNDS CONTAINED WITHIN THE CAPITAL BUDGET, FUNDS
FROM COUNTY SALES TAX REVENUES SHARED WITH SUCH CITY, FUNDS DERIVED FROM
ANY FEDERAL SOURCE AND FUNDS DERIVED FROM ANY STATE OR PRIVATE SOURCES
OVER WHICH THE CITY HAS NO DISCRETION, AS DEFINED IN REGULATIONS OF THE
COMMISSIONER AND APPROVED BY THE DIRECTOR OF THE BUDGET.
(II) "CITY AMOUNT" SHALL MEAN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF EXPENDITURES FUNDED
BY CITY FUNDS FOR THE SUPPORT OF THE CITY DISTRICT, NOT INCLUDING CITY
PAYMENTS TO BOND OR NOTE HOLDERS FOR DEBT SERVICE PAYMENTS OF SUCH
DISTRICT, AS CONTAINED WITHIN THE BUDGET AS ADOPTED BY SUCH CITY.
(III) "BASE YEAR" SHALL MEAN THE FISCAL YEAR IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE
FISCAL YEAR FOR WHICH THE BUDGET REFERRED TO IN SUBPARAGRAPH (II) OF
THIS PARAGRAPH IS ADOPTED. THE INITIAL BASE YEAR SHALL BE THE FISCAL
YEAR ENDING JUNE THIRTIETH, TWO THOUSAND SEVEN.
(B) THE CITY AMOUNT SHALL NOT BE LESS THAN THE CITY AMOUNT APPROPRI-
ATED IN THE BASE YEAR DETERMINED AT THE TIME OF ADOPTION OF THE BUDGET
FOR THE ENSUING FISCAL YEAR, AND SHALL NOT BE LESS THAN THE CITY AMOUNT
EXPENDED IN THE BASE YEAR DETERMINED AS OF THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR.
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, IN THE EVENT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF CITY FUNDS RELIED
UPON TO BALANCE SUCH BUDGET IS LOWER THAN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF CITY FUNDS
APPROPRIATED IN THE BASE YEAR, AS DETERMINED AT THE TIME OF ADOPTION OF
SUCH BUDGET, THE CITY AMOUNT MAY BE REDUCED BY UP TO THE SAME PERCENTAGE
AS THE OVERALL PERCENTAGE DECREASE IN CITY FUNDS BETWEEN THE BASE YEAR
AND THE ENSUING FISCAL YEAR. THE CITY SHALL NOT USE OR SPEND THE CITY
AMOUNT FOR ANY PURPOSES OTHER THAN IN DIRECT SUPPORT OF THE CITY
DISTRICT.
(C) UPON THE ENACTMENT OF A CITY BUDGET, FOR THE TWO THOUSAND TEN--TWO
THOUSAND ELEVEN SCHOOL YEAR BUDGET AND ANNUALLY THEREAFTER, THE MAYOR
SHALL ANNUALLY CERTIFY TO THE COMMISSIONER, IN A FORM PRESCRIBED BY THE
COMMISSIONER UPON APPROVAL OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE BUDGET, AS TO THE CITY
AMOUNT IN SUCH BUDGET, THE CITY AMOUNT IN THE BASE YEAR, AND THAT THE
CITY AMOUNT APPROPRIATED IN SUCH BUDGET IS IN COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH
(B) OF THIS SUBDIVISION.
(D) THE SCHOOL DISTRICT AUDIT REPORT CERTIFIED TO BY AN INDEPENDENT
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT OR AN INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANT PURSUANT TO
SECTION TWENTY-ONE HUNDRED SIXTEEN-A OF THIS TITLE FOR THE TWO THOUSAND
TEN--TWO THOUSAND ELEVEN SCHOOL YEAR BUDGET AND ANNUALLY THEREAFTER
SHALL INCLUDE A CERTIFICATION BY THE ACCOUNTANT, IN A FORM PRESCRIBED BY
THE COMMISSIONER UPON APPROVAL OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE BUDGET, AS TO THE
CITY AMOUNT EXPENDED IN THE SCHOOL YEAR COVERED BY SUCH AUDIT REPORT,
THE CITY AMOUNT IN THE PRIOR SCHOOL YEAR, AND THAT THE CITY AMOUNT
EXPENDED IN THE SCHOOL YEAR COVERED BY SUCH AUDIT REPORT IS IN COMPLI-
ANCE WITH PARAGRAPH (B) OF THIS SUBDIVISION.
3. THE SUPERINTENDENT MAY, TO MEET OR RESPOND TO EMERGENCIES WHICH MAY
ARISE, SUBMIT A SPECIAL ESTIMATE IN WHICH ITEMS FOR EXTRAORDINARY
EXPENSES MAY BE SUBMITTED TO MEET SUCH EMERGENCIES. SUCH ESTIMATE SHALL
CONTAIN A COMPLETE STATEMENT OF THE PURPOSES FOR WHICH THE ITEMS ARE
REQUESTED AND THE NECESSITY THEREFOR. THE SAME METHOD OF PROCEDURE SHALL
BE FOLLOWED IN SUBMITTING SUCH ESTIMATE AND SUCH ESTIMATE SHALL BE
SUBJECT TO THE SAME CONSIDERATION AND ACTION AS IS REQUIRED IN THE
SUBMISSION, CONSIDERATION AND ACTION UPON THE REGULAR ANNUAL ESTIMATE
S. 8156 16
SUBMITTED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT. THE COMMON COUNCIL SHALL HAVE POWER TO
MAKE THE APPROPRIATIONS REQUESTED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT IN SUCH SPECIAL
ESTIMATE.
4. THE BOARD SHALL NOT INCUR A LIABILITY OR AN EXPENSE CHARGEABLE
AGAINST THE FUNDS UNDER ITS CONTROL OR THE CITY FOR ANY PURPOSE IN
EXCESS OF THE AMOUNT APPROPRIATED OR AVAILABLE THEREFOR OR OTHERWISE
AUTHORIZED BY LAW.
S 2591-J. CUSTODY AND DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS. 1. PUBLIC MONEYS APPOR-
TIONED TO THE CITY BY THE STATE AND ALL FUNDS RAISED OR COLLECTED BY THE
AUTHORITIES IN THE CITY FOR SCHOOL PURPOSES OR TO BE USED BY THE BOARD
FOR ANY PURPOSE AUTHORIZED IN THIS ARTICLE, OR ANY OTHER FUNDS BELONGING
TO THE CITY AND RECEIVED FROM ANY SOURCE WHATSOEVER FOR SIMILAR
PURPOSES, SHALL BE PAID INTO THE TREASURY OF SUCH CITY AND SHALL BE
CREDITED TO THE BOARD. THE FUNDS SO RECEIVED INTO SUCH TREASURY SHALL BE
KEPT SEPARATE AND DISTINCT FROM ANY OTHER FUNDS RECEIVED INTO THE SAID
TREASURY. THE OFFICER HAVING THE CHARGE THEREOF SHALL GIVE SUCH ADDI-
TIONAL SECURITY FOR THE SAFE CUSTODY THEREOF AS THE CORPORATE AUTHORI-
TIES OF SUCH CITY SHALL REQUIRE.
2. SUCH FUNDS SHALL BE DISBURSED BY AUTHORITY OF THE BOARD UPON WRIT-
TEN ORDERS DRAWN ON THE CITY TREASURER OR OTHER FISCAL OFFICER OF THE
CITY. SUCH ORDERS SHALL BE SIGNED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS AND
THE CLAIMS AUDITOR. ORDERS SHALL BE NUMBERED CONSECUTIVELY AND SHALL
SPECIFY THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH THEY ARE DRAWN AND THE PERSON OR CORPO-
RATION TO WHOM THEY ARE PAYABLE. THE CLAIMS AUDITOR SHALL ENSURE THAT
ORDERS COMPLY WITH THE APPROPRIATE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES OF THE CITY
SCHOOL DISTRICT PRIOR TO APPROVAL FOR PAYMENT, INCLUDING WITH THE
PROCUREMENT POLICY PROPOSED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT PURSUANT TO SECTION
TWENTY-FIVE HUNDRED NINETY-ONE-E OF THIS ARTICLE AND APPROVED BY THE
BOARD PURSUANT TO SECTION TWENTY-FIVE HUNDRED NINETY-ONE-D OF THIS ARTI-
CLE. CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT SHALL NOT BE PAID WITHOUT
PRIOR AUDIT AND APPROVAL BY THE CLAIMS AUDITOR.
3. FIXED SALARIES, PRINCIPAL OF AND INTEREST ON INDEBTEDNESS AND
AMOUNTS BECOMING DUE UPON LAWFUL CONTRACTS FOR PERIODS EXCEEDING ONE
YEAR MAY BE DISBURSED WITHOUT PRIOR AUDIT OF THE BOARD OR THE CLAIMS
AUDITOR. BY RESOLUTION DULY ADOPTED, THE BOARD MAY DETERMINE TO ENTER
INTO A CONTRACT TO PROVIDE FOR THE DEPOSIT OF THE PERIODIC PAYROLL OF
THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IN A BANK OR TRUST COMPANY FOR DISBURSAL BY IT IN
ACCORDANCE WITH PROVISIONS OF SECTION NINETY-SIX-B OF THE BANKING LAW.
4. IT SHALL BE UNLAWFUL FOR A CITY TREASURER OR OTHER OFFICER HAVING
THE CUSTODY OF SUCH CITY FUNDS TO PERMIT THEIR USE FOR ANY PURPOSE OTHER
THAN THAT FOR WHICH THEY ARE LAWFULLY AUTHORIZED; THEY SHALL BE PAID OUT
ONLY ON AUDIT OF THE CLAIMS AUDITOR OR AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED BY LAW.
PAYMENTS FROM SUCH FUNDS SHALL BE MADE ONLY BY CHECKS SIGNED BY THE
TREASURER OR OTHER CUSTODIAN OF SUCH MONEYS AND PAYABLE TO THE PERSON OR
PERSONS ENTITLED THERETO AND COUNTERSIGNED BY AN OFFICER DESIGNATED BY
THE OFFICER OR BODY HAVING THE GENERAL CONTROL OF THE FINANCIAL AFFAIRS
OF SUCH CITY. THE BOARD SHALL MAKE, IN ADDITION TO SUCH CLASSIFICATION
OF ITS FUNDS AND ACCOUNTS AS IT DESIRES FOR ITS OWN USE AND INFORMATION,
SUCH FURTHER CLASSIFICATION OF THE FUNDS UNDER ITS MANAGEMENT AND
CONTROL AND OF THE DISBURSEMENTS THEREOF AS THE OFFICER OR BODY HAVING
THE GENERAL CONTROL OF THE FINANCIAL AFFAIRS OF SUCH CITY, SHALL
REQUIRE, AND SUCH BOARD SHALL FURNISH SUCH DATA IN RELATION TO SUCH
FUNDS AND THEIR DISBURSEMENTS AS THE FINANCIAL OFFICER OR BODY OF THE
CITY SHALL REQUIRE.
S 3. The charter of the city of Rochester is amended by adding a new
chapter 17 to read as follows:
S. 8156 17
CHAPTER 17
INDEPENDENT EDUCATION BUDGET OFFICE
SECTION 17-1. INDEPENDENT EDUCATION BUDGET OFFICE.
17-2. APPOINTMENT PROCESS; TERM OF OFFICE OF DIRECTOR.
17-3. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIRECTOR.
17-4. FUNDING OF OFFICE.
S 17-1. INDEPENDENT EDUCATION BUDGET OFFICE.
THERE SHALL BE ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION AN INDEPENDENT
EDUCATION BUDGET OFFICE TO BE HEADED BY A DIRECTOR WHO SHALL BE
APPOINTED BY THE MAYOR UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF A SPECIAL COMMITTEE
ESTABLISHED FOR THIS PURPOSE.
S 17-2. APPOINTMENT PROCESS; TERM OF OFFICE OF DIRECTOR.
A. THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE SHALL CONSIST OF FIVE MEMBERS; TWO MEMBERS
APPOINTED BY THE MAYOR, TWO MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL, AND
ONE MEMBER MUTUALLY AGREED TO BY THE MAYOR AND THE COMMON COUNCIL.
MEMBERS SHALL POSSESS EXTENSIVE KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE IN EDUCATION
POLICY AND FINANCE. THE MEMBERS OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE SHALL NOT BE
PAID A SALARY OR STIPEND, BUT SHALL BE REIMBURSED FOR ALL ACTUAL AND
NECESSARY EXPENSES DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
OF SUCH COMMITTEE.
B. THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE, PURSUANT TO A PUBLICLY-INCLUSIVE SCREENING
AND INTERVIEW PROCESS, SHALL RECOMMEND THREE CANDIDATES TO THE MAYOR FOR
HIS OR HER APPOINTMENT.
C. THE DIRECTOR SHALL BE APPOINTED WITHOUT REGARD TO POLITICAL AFFIL-
IATION AND SOLELY ON THE BASIS OF FITNESS TO PERFORM THE DUTIES, AND
SHALL SERVE A FOUR YEAR TERM. THE DIRECTOR MAY BE REMOVED ONLY FOR
CAUSE. IN THE EVENT OF A VACANCY, THE INDIVIDUAL APPOINTED TO FILL THE
VACANCY SHALL BE APPOINTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 17-1 OF THIS CHARTER AND
THIS SECTION, AND SERVE ONLY FOR THE UNEXPIRED PORTION OF THE TERM.
D. THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE SHALL BE DISSOLVED AFTER THE APPOINTMENT OF A
DIRECTOR BY THE MAYOR. IN THE EVENT OF A VACANCY, A NEW SPECIAL COMMIT-
TEE SHALL BE APPOINTED PURSUANT TO SUBDIVISION A OF THIS SECTION.
S 17-3. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIRECTOR.
A. THE DIRECTOR SHALL PROVIDE TO THE MAYOR, THE COMMON COUNCIL AND THE
PUBLIC, THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
(1) INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO THE BUDGET, APPROPRIATIONS BILLS AND
PROPOSED LOCAL LAWS WITH FISCAL IMPLICATIONS AFFECTING THE CITY SCHOOL
DISTRICT;
(2) INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO ESTIMATED CITY, STATE AND FEDERAL
REVENUES AND CHANGING REVENUE CONDITIONS AFFECTING THE CITY SCHOOL
DISTRICT; AND
(3) TO THE EXTENT PRACTICABLE, SUCH OTHER INFORMATION OR ANALYSES AS
MAY BE REQUESTED BY SUCH OFFICIALS AND BODIES.
B. THE DIRECTOR SHALL ALSO ISSUE REGULAR REPORTS TO ENHANCE OFFICIAL
AND PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE EDUCATION BUDGET, INCLUDING MATTERS
RELATING TO CITY, STATE AND FEDERAL REVENUES, EXPENDITURES, OR FINANCIAL
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AFFECTING THE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT AND RELATED
MATTERS.
C. THE DIRECTOR SHALL BE AUTHORIZED TO SECURE SUCH INFORMATION, DATA,
ESTIMATES AND STATISTICS FROM THE MAYOR, COMMON COUNCIL, AGENCIES,
DEPARTMENTS, OFFICES AND OTHER PUBLIC ENTITIES OF THE CITY, INCLUDING
THE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT AS THE DIRECTOR DETERMINES TO BE NECESSARY FOR
THE PERFORMANCE OF THE FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES OF THE OFFICE; AND SUCH
OFFICIALS OR ENTITIES SHALL PROVIDE SUCH INFORMATION, TO THE EXTENT THAT
IT IS AVAILABLE, IN A TIMELY FASHION. THE DIRECTOR SHALL NOT BE ENTITLED
TO OBTAIN RECORDS WHICH ARE PROTECTED BY THE PRIVILEGES FOR
S. 8156 18
ATTORNEY-CLIENT COMMUNICATIONS, ATTORNEY WORK PRODUCT, AND MATERIAL
PREPARED FOR LITIGATION.
D. THE DIRECTOR SHALL MAKE ALL INFORMATION, DATA, ESTIMATES, AND
STATISTICS OBTAINED UNDER THIS SECTION, AND ALL STUDIES AND REPORTS
PREPARED BY THE OFFICE, AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AND COPYING
DURING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS AND SHALL, TO THE EXTENT PRACTICABLE,
FURNISH A COPY OF ANY SUCH INFORMATION OR REPORT TO ANY PERSON UPON
REQUEST AT A REASONABLE COST.
S 17-4. FUNDING OF OFFICE.
THE APPROPRIATIONS AVAILABLE TO PAY FOR THE EXPENSES OF THE INDEPEND-
ENT BUDGET OFFICE DURING EACH FISCAL YEAR SHALL NOT BE LESS THAN FIVE
PER CENTUM OF THE APPROPRIATIONS TO PAY THE EXPENSES OF THE OFFICE OF
MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET DURING SUCH FISCAL YEAR.
S 4. Section 2552 of the education law, as amended by chapter 138 of
the laws of 1974, is amended to read as follows:
S 2552. Board of education. The board of education of each such city
school district is hereby continued. The educational affairs in each
such city school district shall be under the general management and
control of a board of education to consist of not less than three and
not more than nine members, to be chosen as hereinafter provided, and to
be known as members of the board of education, except that the board of
education of the city school district of the city of New York shall be
constituted as provided in article fifty-two-A of this chapter, AND
EXCEPT FURTHER THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
OF THE CITY OF ROCHESTER SHALL BE CONSTITUTED AS PROVIDED IN ARTICLE
FIFTY-TWO-B OF THIS CHAPTER. The number of members on the board of
education of each such city school district shall continue to be as
follows:
a. City school district of the city of Buffalo: nine members.
b. [City school district of the city of Rochester: seven members.
c.] City school district of the city of Syracuse: seven members.
[d.] C. City school district of the city of Yonkers: nine members.
S 5. Subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 of section 2553 of the
education law, subdivision 1 as separately amended by chapters 211 and
441 of the laws of 1980, subdivisions 2, 3, 4 and 5 as added by chapter
242 of the laws of 1974, subdivision 6 and paragraphs (c), (d), (e) and
(g) of subdivision 9 as amended and paragraphs (f) and (h) of subdivi-
sion 9 as relettered by chapter 211 of the laws of 1980, subdivisions 7
and 8 as amended by chapter 762 of the laws of 1950 and as renumbered by
chapter 330 of the laws of 1969, subdivision 9 as added by chapter 141
of the laws of 1971, paragraph (b) of subdivision 9 as amended by chap-
ter 1126 of the laws of 1971 and such subdivision 9 as renumbered by
chapter 242 of the laws of 1974, are amended to read as follows:
1. No person shall be eligible to the office of member of a board of
education who is not a citizen of the United States, who is not quali-
fied to register for or vote at an election in accordance with the
provisions of section 5-106 of the election law, and who, in the case of
the city school district of the city of Yonkers, has not been a resident
of the city school district for which he is chosen for a period of at
least three years immediately preceding the date of his election or
appointment and who, in the case of the city school district of the city
of Buffalo, in the case of a member to be elected at large is not a
qualified voter of such city school district and who has not been a
resident of such district for a period of at least three years imme-
diately preceding the date of his election and in the case of a member
elected from a city school subdistrict is not a qualified voter of such
S. 8156 19
city school subdistrict and has not been a resident of the city school
district for three years and a resident of the city school subdistrict
which he OR SHE represents or seeks to represent for a period of one
year immediately preceding the date of his OR HER election, and who, in
the case of the city school district of the city of [Rochester, is not a
qualified voter under section 5-102 of the election law of such city
school district; and who in the case of the city school district of the
city of] Syracuse has not been a qualified voter under section 5-102 of
the election law of such city school district for at least ninety days
immediately preceding the date of his OR HER election or appointment.
2. In the city school [districts] DISTRICT of the [cities] CITY of
[Rochester and] Syracuse the members of such board of education shall be
chosen by the voters at large at either a general or municipal election,
or at both. In the city school district of the city of Buffalo the
members of such board of education shall be chosen pursuant to the
provisions of subdivision ten of this section.
3. In the city school district of the city of Yonkers members of the
board of education shall be appointed from the city at large by the
mayor and shall be for terms of five years each, to begin on the first
Tuesday in May.
4. In the city school districts of the following cities, the terms of
such members shall be as follows:
a. [Rochester: Four Years;
b.] Syracuse: Four Years;
[c.] B. Yonkers: Five Years.
5. The terms of one-fifth of all the members of a board of education,
or of a fraction as close to one-fifth thereof as possible, shall expire
annually on the first Tuesday in May, except in the city school
districts of the cities of Buffalo[, Rochester] and Syracuse.
6. If a vacancy occurs other than by expiration of term in the office
of a member of a board of education in a district in which such members
are elected at a general or municipal election, such vacancy shall be
filled by appointment by the mayor until the next general or municipal
election is held, and such vacancy shall then be filled at such election
for the unexpired portion of such term, except that [in the city school
district of the city of Rochester any such vacancy shall be filled
pursuant to the provisions of subdivision nine of this section and
except further that] any such vacancy on the board of education of the
city school district of the city of Buffalo shall be filled pursuant to
the provisions of subdivision ten of this section.
7. If such vacancy occurs in such office in a district in which the
members of the board of education are appointed by the mayor, such
vacancy shall be filled by appointment by the mayor of such city for the
unexpired portion of such term, but in Buffalo such appointment shall be
subject to confirmation by the council.
8. A member of a board of education who publicly declares that he OR
SHE will not accept or serve in the office of member of such board of
education, or refuses or neglects to attend three successive meetings of
such board, of which he is duly notified, without rendering a good and
valid excuse therefor to the other members of such board of education,
vacates his OR HER office by refusal to serve.
[9. (a) The members of the board of education of the city school
district of the city of Rochester shall be elected by the qualified
voters of such city as provided herein.
(b) The members of the board of education shall be elected at large
throughout the city by the qualified voters at a general election.
S. 8156 20
(c) Such elections for such officers shall be governed by the
provisions of the election law in the same manner as candidates for
office generally to be elected by the voters of the city of Rochester;
provided, however, that each such candidate shall be required to file
petitions containing at least one thousand signatures.
(d) No person shall be eligible for the office of members of such
board of education who is not a qualified voter under section 5-102 of
the election law of such city school district. No person shall hold at
the same time the office of member of the board of education and any
other elective office nor shall he be a candidate for any other elective
office at the same time he is a candidate for the office of member of
such board of education.
(e) The term of office of each member of such board shall be four
years, commencing on the first day of January following his election.
The candidates receiving a plurality of the votes cast respectively for
the several offices shall be declared elected. Where more than one
office is to be filled by such election and there is a variance in the
length of the terms, the candidate receiving the largest number of votes
shall be entitled to the longest term and the candidates receiving the
next highest number of votes shall be entitled, in decreasing order of
the respective number of votes to the several offices, in decreasing
order of the length of such terms or unexpired portions of terms. When-
ever a vacancy shall occur or exist in the office of member of the board
of education except by reason of expiration of term, such vacancy shall
be filled by the president of the board of education by appointment of a
nominee of the members of the board of education of the same political
affiliation as the person who vacated the office and such nominee shall
be elected by the majority vote of the board of education; if the board
shall not have filled the vacancy within thirty days from the date the
vacancy occurred, then the president of the board shall fill the vacancy
from the same political party as that of the person who vacated the
office. However, if the vacancy shall occur in the office of member of
the board of education filled by an incumbent elected on a non-partisan
or an independent basis, such vacancy shall be filled, after nomination
by the president of the board of education, by majority vote of the
remaining members of the board of education. A person appointed to fill
a vacancy shall hold office to and including the thirty-first day of
December next succeeding the first general election following such
vacancy, at which a successor must be elected for the remainder of the
unexpired term, if any.
(f) The members so elected to the board of education shall convene on
the first business day in January of each year at the time of the
commencement of their term of office and select from their members a
president who shall serve for a term of one year or such other term, not
exceeding the term of his office, as may be fixed by the rules and regu-
lations of the board.
(g) The election of members of the board of education of the school
district of Rochester shall take place at a general election to be held
in such city when an incumbent's term expires, and the first election
hereinunder shall take place in November of nineteen hundred eighty-one.
Such election shall be conducted by the board of elections of the county
of Monroe in the same manner as general elections are conducted by it.
The results of such elections, after canvassing, shall be certified and
reported by the board of elections to the board of education of such
city. The clerk or other appropriate officer of the board of education
shall within twenty-four hours after the receipt of such certification
S. 8156 21
by the board of elections serve a written notice either personally or by
mail upon each person declared to be elected as a member of the board of
education informing him of his election and the length of his term.
(h) Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, the present
members of said board of education shall serve the full terms for which
they were elected. Vacancies which may occur in the board shall be
filled as provided herein, except, that the vacancies created by the
expansion of the board of education from five to seven members, as
provided herein, shall be filled at the next general election.]
S 6. The opening paragraph of section 2554 of the education law, as
amended by chapter 91 of the laws of 2002, is amended to read as
follows:
Subject to the provisions of this chapter, the board of education in a
city, except the city board of the city of New York AND THE BOARD OF
EDUCATION OF THE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT OF THE CITY OF ROCHESTER, shall
have the power and it shall be its duty:
S 7. Subdivision 2 of section 2554 of the education law, as amended by
section 2 of part B of chapter 88 of the laws of 2000, is amended to
read as follows:
2. To create, abolish, maintain and consolidate such positions, divi-
sions, boards or bureaus as, in its judgment, may be necessary for the
proper and efficient administration of its work; to appoint a super-
intendent of schools, such associate, assistant, district and other
superintendents, examiners, directors, supervisors, principals, teach-
ers, lecturers, special instructors, medical inspectors, nurses, audi-
tors, attendance officers, secretaries, clerks, custodians, janitors and
other employees and other persons or experts in educational, social or
recreational work or in the business management or direction of its
affairs as said board shall determine necessary for the efficient
management of the schools and other educational, social, recreational
and business activities; provided, however, that in the city school
[districts] DISTRICT of the [cities] CITY of Buffalo [and Rochester]
appointment of associate, assistant and district superintendents, and
other supervising staff who are excluded from the right to bargain
collectively pursuant to article fourteen of the civil service law
shall, within the amounts budgeted for such positions, be by the super-
intendent of such city school district; and to determine their duties
except as otherwise provided herein.
S 7-a. Subdivision 2-a of section 2554 of the education law, as
amended by chapter 263 of the laws of 2005, is amended to read as
follows:
2-a. a. In its discretion to adopt a resolution establishing the
office of claims auditor and appoint a claims auditor who shall hold his
or her position subject to the pleasure of the board. Such claims audi-
tor shall report directly to the board of education. No person shall be
eligible for appointment to the office of claims auditor who shall be
(1) a member of the board of education;
(2) a clerk or treasurer of the board of education;
(3) the superintendent of schools or other official of the district
responsible for business management;
(4) the person designated as purchasing agent; or
(5) clerical or professional personnel directly involved in accounting
and purchasing functions of the school district.
b. The position of claims auditor shall be classified in the exempt
class of civil service. The board of education, at any time after the
establishment of the office of claims auditor, may adopt a resolution
S. 8156 22
abolishing the office; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF
THE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT OF THE CITY OF ROCHESTER SHALL NOT ABOLISH SUCH
OFFICE. When the office of claims auditor shall have been established
and a claims auditor shall have been appointed and shall have qualified,
the powers and duties of the board of education with respect to auditing
accounts, charges, claims or demands against the city school district
shall devolve upon and thereafter be exercised by such claims auditor,
during the continuance of the office. The board of education shall be
permitted to delegate the claims audit function by using (1) inter-muni-
cipal cooperative agreements, or (2) independent contractors, to fulfill
this function.
S 8. Subdivision 1 of section 2563 of the education law, as amended by
chapter 228 of the laws of 1971, is amended to read as follows:
1. The annual meeting of a board of education shall be held on the
second Tuesday in May, at four o'clock in the afternoon, at which meet-
ing the board shall select a president for the ensuing year, except that
the annual meeting of the board of education of the city school
[district] DISTRICTS of the [city] CITIES of New York AND ROCHESTER
shall be held on the first Tuesday in July.
S 9. Section 2565 of the education law, as amended by chapter 687 of
the laws of 1949, subdivision 1 as amended by chapter 41 of the laws of
1996, subdivision 3 as added by chapter 302 of the laws of 1980 and such
section as renumbered by chapter 762 of the laws of 1950, is amended to
read as follows:
S 2565. Superintendent of schools, associate superintendents, board of
superintendents. 1. The superintendent or an associate superintendent
of schools of a city in office on June eighth, nineteen hundred seven-
teen, shall hold his position for the term for which he was chosen and
until his successor is chosen. A superintendent or associate superinten-
dent appointed after such date shall hold his position in a city having
a population of two hundred fifty thousand or more for a period not to
exceed four years from the date of his appointment and in all cities
subject to the pleasure of the board of education, except that in all
other cities the superintendent of schools may be appointed for a term
of not to exceed five years, provided that the terms or provisions of
any employment contract between the superintendent and the board of
education relating to an increase in salary, compensation or other bene-
fits, shall not be based on or tied to the terms of any contract or
collective bargaining agreement that the board of education has or will
enter with the teachers or other employees of the school district.
2. A superintendent or an associate superintendent may vacate his
position by filing a written resignation with the board of education.
No person shall be eligible to the position of superintendent of
schools, deputy superintendent of schools, associate superintendent of
schools, assistant superintendent of schools or other superintendent of
schools or member of a board of examiners in a city unless he shall
possess or be entitled to a superintendent's certificate as provided in
section three thousand three of this chapter.
[3. Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivisions one and two of this
section, the superintendent of schools of the Rochester city school
district shall serve at the pleasure of the board of education;
provided, however, that such term shall, in no event, exceed a period of
four years.]
S 10. Subdivision 6 of section 2566 of the education law, as amended
by chapter 263 of the laws of 2005, is amended to read as follows:
S. 8156 23
6. To have supervision and direction of associate, assistant, district
and other superintendents, directors, supervisors, principals, teachers,
lecturers, medical inspectors, nurses, claims auditors, attendance offi-
cers, janitors and other persons employed in the management of the
schools or the other educational activities of the city authorized by
this chapter and under the direction and management of the board of
education, except that in the city school [districts] DISTRICT of the
[cities] CITY of Buffalo [and Rochester] to also appoint, within the
amounts budgeted therefor, such associate, assistant and district super-
intendents and all other supervising staff who are excluded from the
right to bargain collectively pursuant to article fourteen of the civil
service law; to transfer teachers from one school to another, or from
one grade of the course of study to another grade in such course, and to
report immediately such transfers to said board for its consideration
and action; to report to said board of education violations of regu-
lations and cases of insubordination, and to suspend an associate,
assistant, district or other superintendent, director, supervisor,
expert, principal, teacher or other employee until the next regular
meeting of the board, when all facts relating to the case shall be
submitted to the board for its consideration and action.
S 11. Subdivision 3 of section 2573 of the education law, as amended
by section 4 of part B of chapter 88 of the laws of 2000, is amended to
read as follows:
3. Associate superintendents, examiners and all other employees
authorized by section twenty-five hundred fifty-four of this article,
except as otherwise provided in subdivision one of this section, shall
be appointed by the board of education except that in the city school
[districts] DISTRICT of the [cities] CITY of Buffalo [and Rochester],
the associate, assistant and district superintendents and all other
supervising staff who are excluded from the right to bargain collective-
ly pursuant to article fourteen of the civil service law shall be
appointed, within amounts budgeted therefor, by the superintendent of
such city school district. In a city having a population of one million
or more, such appointments shall be made on nomination of the super-
intendent of schools. Notwithstanding any other provision in this chap-
ter to the contrary, whenever an associate superintendent of schools in
the employ of the board of education in a city having a population of
one million or more fails of reappointment, said person shall be imme-
diately appointed an assistant superintendent of schools with permanent
appointment as said term permanent appointment is defined in subdivi-
sions four, five and six of this section. The salary of such assistant
superintendent shall be less than the salary of an associate superinten-
dent, but said differential in salary shall not exceed ten per centum of
the annual salary of an associate superintendent of schools. When,
however, an associate superintendent of schools who fails of reappoint-
ment has to his credit thirty or more years of city service including
ten or more years of service as such associate superintendent of
schools, he shall suffer no reduction of salary or of pension prospects
while serving as such assistant superintendent of schools.
S 12. Subdivision 2 of section 2576 of the education law, as amended
by section 8 of part B of chapter 57 of the laws of 2007, is amended to
read as follows:
2. In the city school districts of Syracuse[, Rochester] and Yonkers
such estimate shall be filed with the mayor or city manager. Such offi-
cer shall place such estimate before the board of estimate and appor-
tionment or other similar body at the same time and in the same manner
S. 8156 24
as estimates from city departments or officers are placed before said
board or body, and such estimate shall thereafter be subject to the same
consideration, action and procedure as all other estimates from city
departments or officers and said board or body may increase, diminish or
reject any item contained in said estimate, except for fixed charges for
which the city is liable and subject to the limitations provided by
subdivision five-b of this section. When such estimate is adopted, the
said board or body shall file it with the common council.
S 13. The terms of office of the members of the board of education of
the city of Rochester elected and in office on the effective date of
this act shall expire June 30, 2011. On July 1, 2011, the mayor and the
common council of the city of Rochester shall appoint a board of educa-
tion for such city school district pursuant to section 2591-c of the
education law as added by section two of this act. The mayor shall
appoint two members for an initial two-year term; two members for an
initial three-year term; and one member for an initial four-year term.
The common council shall appoint one member for a two-year term, one
member for a three-year term, and two members for a four-year term.
After the initial staggered terms, all members shall serve three-year
terms. The members of the board of education established pursuant to
section 2591-c of the education law as added by section two of this act
shall take office July 1, 2011.
S 14. Notwithstanding any provisions of law to the contrary, the
board of education of the city school district of the city of Rochester
and the city school district of the city of Rochester, as established
pursuant to article 52 of the education law, are prohibited from re-neg-
otiating or otherwise amending any collective bargaining agreements or
other contracts that expire or end on a date after the board of educa-
tion, as established pursuant to section 2591-c of the education law, as
added by section two of this act, takes office. With respect to collec-
tive bargaining agreements that expire or end prior to the date that the
board of education, as established pursuant to section 2591-c of the
education law, as added by section two of this act, takes office, the
board of education or such city school district may only negotiate and
enter into a new contract for a period that ends on December 31, 2011.
With respect to contracts, other than collective bargaining agreements,
that expire or end prior to the date that the board of education, as
established pursuant to section 2591-c of the education law, as added by
section two of this act, takes office, or are entered into after the
effective date of this act, the board of education or such city school
district may only negotiate and enter into a new contract for a period
that ends sixty days after the date that the board of education, as
established pursuant to section 2591-c of the education law, as added by
section two of this act, takes office.
S 15. The provisions of article 52 of the education law shall continue
to apply to the city school district of the city of Rochester, provided,
however, that where any of the provisions of article 52-B of the educa-
tion law are inconsistent with the provisions of article 52 of the
education law pertaining to governance of the city of Rochester school
district, the provisions of article 52 of the education law shall be
superseded and the provisions of article 52-B of the education law shall
apply.
S 16. Severability. If any clause, sentence, paragraph, section or
part of this act shall be adjudged by any court of competent jurisdic-
tion to be invalid and after exhaustion of all further judicial review,
the judgment shall not affect, impair or invalidate the remainder there-
S. 8156 25
of, but shall be confined in its operation to the clause, sentence,
paragraph, section or part of this act directly involved in the contro-
versy in which the judgment shall have been rendered.
S 17. This act shall take effect immediately; provided, however that
sections two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven,
twelve and fifteen of this act shall take effect July 1, 2011 provided
further that the amendments to the opening paragraph of section 2554 of
the education law made by section six of this act shall not affect the
expiration of such paragraph and shall expire on the same date as such
paragraph expires pursuant to section 34 of chapter 91 of the laws of
2002, as amended, or expire and be deemed repealed June 30, 2016, which-
ever occurs first; provided further that sections two, three, four,
five, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve and fifteen of this act
shall expire and be deemed repealed June 30, 2016.