Long Term Fix to School Budget Woes Proposed

Cahill plan ensures quality education, lower school costs & improved efficiency

April 19, 2010

Albany – As school districts begin to debate proposed budgets, Assemblymember Kevin Cahill (D–Ulster/Dutchess) pushed for passage of his “21st Century Schools Act” (A.9510). The bill, which enjoys broad bi-partisan sponsorship, is designed to curb school spending through shared services and consolidation.

“School districts across the state are proposing budgets riddled with layoffs and program cuts while simultaneously increasing property taxes, leaving no question that our current system is unsustainable. My legislation addresses runaway costs by streamlining services and ending duplication,” said Assemblymember Cahill. “We must take better advantage of economies of scale and improve the delivery of services to our kids and teachers. Shared services and consolidations will save hundreds of millions of dollars while preserving the quality and local character of our schools.”

The state Comptroller’s office estimates the state could save close to $400 million if school districts took better advantage of back-office services already offered by BOCES. Building on that concept, the 21st Century Schools Act would maximize the use of BOCES and increase cooperative participation, using expanded regional approaches to pay for bigger ticket items like transportation and special education.

The bill also calls for a complete reexamination of school district lines. “District lines have not been comprehensively redrawn since the 1950s. Population shifts and community growth often mean boundaries drawn sixty years ago no longer make sense today,” Assemblymember Cahill said. “For example, of the 700 school districts in our state, 200 serve less than 1,000 students each. It is time we took a fresh look at school district boundaries.”

The legislation would create an implementation board modeled after the successful Commission on Health Care Facilities, better known as the Berger Commission. The 21st Century Schools panel would assure the goals of modernization, educational excellence, efficiency and cost reduction while enhancing the local character and control of our schools.

“This is not another powerless blue ribbon panel. The Berger Commission succeeded by bringing together people in all levels of health care to address complex issues. That process led to a consolidation of services that reduced costs and strengthened our health care delivery system,” said Assemblymember Cahill. “My plan calls for input from local activists, parents, teachers, administrators and taxpayers. It then puts their ideas to work. The 21st Century Schools Commission blueprint would go into effect unless voted down in its entirety by the Legislature.”

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