Waiving the 180-day requirement for schools to be in session would be codified in law under a proposal by state Sen. David Carlucci. 

The bill comes as schools have closed their doors since March and will not bring students back for the remainder of the academic year. Schools have been holding distance learning during this time. 

What You Need To Know


  • The bill would protect school district budgets.

  • Schools must meet for 180 days or face the loss of state aid.

  • The bill codifies an executive order.

  • It's unclear if school buildings will reopen in the fall.
 

The measure would codify an executive order by Gov. Andrew Cuomo that waived the requirement schools be in session for 180 days or lose state funding. 

“School districts were working to protect our students, faculty and staff, and parents from a deadly virus,” said Carlucci, a Democratic candidate for Congress. "School districts who closed due COVID-19 should be applauded for helping stop the spread of this virus and acting in the best interest of their students and communities. They should not be losing State funding for making difficult judgment calls in unprecedented times. Given the current need now more than ever, for school funding, we need this legislation signed into law." 

State lawmakers are meeting this week in a virtual session of the state Senate and Assembly where a range of COVID-related measures are being considered. 

Cuomo earlier this month announced summer school would not be held. A decision on whether students will return by September remains up in the air, but districts are being asked now to plan for protecting students and staff.