Category: State & Federal News Portfolio
-
Advisory: New laws impact school district elections
Governor Andrew Cuomo recently signed two pieces of legislation intended to ease New York state residents’ ability to exercise their right to vote in school district elections. What you need to know about the simplified ballot application The state amended Election Law in 2010 to simplify the absentee ballot application for registered voters, but it…
-
Advisory: School districts in NYS required to teach child sexual abuse prevention classes to K-8 students
On August 29, 2019, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed legislation known as Erin’s Law, which will require New York state public schools to teach child sexual abuse and exploitation prevention classes to students in grades K-8. This legislation mandates these prevention classes to include age-appropriate instruction that helps students recognize what sexual abuse might look like…
-
Advisory: New law requires schools offering tackle football programs to provide specific concussion information
State legislation requires school districts to make concussion-related materials available for parents and guardians. Learn about what and how to communicate this information.
-
Advisory: Employers in NYS required to establish a sexual harassment prevention policy, provide prevention training
The 2019 New York state budget included new requirements for employers related to preventing sexual harassment in the workplace. What are all employers — including school districts — required to do? Under the new law, every employer in New York state was required to: Employers are encouraged to provide the sexual harassment policy and training…
-
New law expands definition of discrimination to include hairstyles, traits
On July 12, 2019, Governor Cuomo signed a new law (S6209A/A7797A) that amends the Human Rights Law and Dignity for All Students Act to make clear that discrimination based on race includes hairstyles or traits associated with race. The legislation: The bill’s provisions are effective immediately. Recommended communication actions School districts will want to review…
-
Advisory: Religious exemptions removed from state vaccination law
With the worst outbreak of measles in more than 25 years taking place in the United States and outbreaks in New York state primarily driving the crisis, Gov. Andrew Cuomo on June 13 signed a bill into law that immediately removed the religious exemption for school vaccination requirements. Per the amendment to Public Health Law…
-
Advisory: New law requires districts to designate employee to provide substance use materials/resources
In an ongoing effort to support those dealing with addiction and substance use, the New York State Education Department recently amended both Education and Mental Health Hygiene laws to ensure that students, parents and staff know where to go within the school community for information on substance use and support services. What are schools required…
-
Districts must ensure all students have access to a certified school counselor
Counseling plans must be posted to district websites, and available for review in district and school offices.
-
Help district leaders understand state and federal fiscal transparency requirements
Both the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and the New York State Division of Budget are requiring districts to report per-pupil spending for each school. These mandates are the result of an increased focus on educational equity. They are intended to shine a light on how money is distributed across a district and whether…
Recent blog posts
Recent Portfolio Releases
- Advisory: Annual report required for internet-enabled device policy enforcement
- Advisory: New water safety information
- Required notifications for school districts (2026-27)
- Encourage families to fill out Free and Reduced-Price Lunch applications
- NY Inspires: A plan to transform education in New York state