§ 1202. Legislative findings and intent. The legislature hereby finds,
determines and declares that:

1. Rural education is a critical factor and dominant force in
stimulating and maintaining socioeconomic development, economic
viability, social activity and cultural enrichment in rural regions of
New York state. Rural schools fill an integral role as centers of the
community and as a bridge for youth to connect with the broader society
in fulfilling their dreams and ambitions;

2. Rural areas account for more than half of the school systems,
boards of cooperative education services and colleges in the state;

3. Rural areas have unique conditions and circumstances which require
special consideration in the development and assessment of state policy,
including: (a) that rural areas contain many of the low-wealth,
low-spending school districts in the state; (b) that average incomes of
rural residents are lower than statewide norms; and (c) that per pupil
expenditures in rural schools are more than fifteen percent below the
statewide average;

4. Weaknesses exist in rural education inasmuch as rural schools have
difficulty attracting and retaining highly trained teachers and
administrators, teachers are spread thinly over several subject areas;

5. A limited knowledge base on small rural educational organizations
and lack of a systematic research agenda for rural schools limit the
potential for development of cohesive state policy for educational
services in rural New York;

6. The establishment of a program on rural education would enhance the
capacity of policy makers within state government: (a) to better
understand the inefficiencies and needs of the state's rural education
systems; (b) to assess the impact of existing and proposed government
mandates on rural areas; (c) to promote innovation, flexibility and
investment to ensure that rural residents have equitable access to and
receive quality educational services and opportunities; and (d) to
promote the long-term goal of improving the economic and social
well-being of rural communities as a direct result of improving rural
school performance.