BILL NUMBER: S7334
SPONSOR: MARTINEZ
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend chapter 18 of the laws of 2020 authorizing the commis-
sioner of education to appoint a monitor to oversee the Wyandanch union
free school district and establishing the powers and duties of such
monitor, in relation to the appointment of a monitor team; and in
relation to extending the provisions thereof
 
PURPOSE:
Relates to the Wyandanch union free school district.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. Amends Sections 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 of chapter 18 of the
laws of 2020 by authorizing the commissioner to appoint additional moni-
tors and/or extend the powers of the existing fiscal monitor to provide
oversight, guidance, and technical assistance to the Wyandanch Union
Free School District in relation to their educational and governance
policies, this section also provides for the qualifications of monitors,
expenses related to their duties, the ability for monitors to attend
board meetings, the power and authority of monitors, three public hear-
ings to be held by monitors within sixty days of their appointment with
the third meeting required to take public comment on the academic
performance of the district, the development of a strategic academic and
fiscal improvement plan subject to approval by the commissioner, annual
public hearings on the long term strategic academic and fiscal improve-
ment plan, and powers of the commissioner for the oversight of monitors.
Section 2. Amends Section 13 of chapter 18 of the laws of 2020 to extend
sunset till 2030.
Section 3. Effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Extending the fiscal monitors' support for an additional five years is
essential to ensure the district sustains its financial recovery and
maintains its positive trajectory. Although the district has successful-
ly moved out of the red, ongoing oversight will help solidify good
financial practices, mitigate risks, and build the capacity of staff to
manage finances effectively. This extension will also instill confidence
among stakeholders and provide valuable guidance in navigating future
challenges, ultimately securing long-term stability and success for the
district. Wyandanch School District's fluctuating graduation rates,
peaking at 73% in 2022 and dropping to 64% for 2023 and 2024, highlight
the urgent need for an academic monitor. This expert will provide essen-
tial oversight and support, enabling the district to identify challenges
and implement targeted strategies to improve instruction and boost
student engagement. With a focus on professional development and data-
driven interventions, an academic monitor can help establish account-
ability measures and effective support systems for at-risk students.
Over the next five years, this dedicated guidance will be crucial in
raising graduation rates and ensuring every student has th e opportunity
to succeed.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
TBD
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately; provided, however, that 24 the
amendments to chapter 18 of the laws of 2020 authorizing the commis25
sioner of education to appoint a monitor to oversee the Wyandanch union
26 free school district and establishing the powers and duties of such
27 monitor, made by section one of this act shall not affect the expira-
tion 28 of such chapter and shall expire and be deemed repealed there-
with.