January 2012
2012-13 Executive Budget Summary
On January 17th, Governor Cuomo presented his proposal for the 2012-13 state budget. The Governor is proposing a total of $20.312 billion in state support for public schools. This represents a year-to-year increase of $805 million (4.1%), as compared to the approved 2011-12 budget. READ MORE>>
2012-13 Executive Budget School Aid Runs
Governor Cuomo released his 2012-13 Executive Budget on January 17, 2012. The school aid runs based off the budget proposal have been posted by the Division of Budget. READ MORE>>
2011 Annual Visual Inspection Report Due January 15th
2011 Annual Visual Inspection: The AVI is available now for your input: 2011 AVI submission form. The submission deadline is January 15, 2012. READ MORE>>
Changes in projection data should be submitted to SED by Sunday, January 15th
To guarantee inclusion in the February 15th database file, all changes to 2011-12 SAMS should be submitted by January 15, 2012. This database will likely be used for the 2012-13 state aid projections when the legislature and Governor agree on the State budget. READ MORE>>
December 2011
Race to the Top (RTTT) budgets are due 12/15/2011
Race to the Top budgets are due on December 15, 2011. The 2011-12 funding application is available online at NYSED’s business portal. The total allocation is shown on the application. READ MORE>>
November 2011
2011-12 State Aid Output Reports Are Now Available
The majority of the 2011-12 State Aid Output Reports are now available on the NYSED State Aid Unit website at: http://stateaid.nysed.gov/. Please check the State Aid website often as other reports such as the nonresident tuition reports (NRT and NRT-EST) should be posted soon. READ MORE>>
October 2011
Updated Information for Audit Notification to School Districts
The Independent Audit is due to SED by October 17th. There are some additional procedures the district needs to follow. READ MORE>>
2011-2012 State Aid Output Reports Are Now Available
The NYSED State Aid Office recently announced the release of districts’ 2011-12 State Aid Output Reports. It is important to note that Output Reports are only available for districts that have submitted all claim forms and schedules and which have since been listed as ‘Clean’ or ‘Clean with Issues’ by SED. READ MORE>>
State Aid Claim Forms Submission Deadline!
State Aid Claim Forms must be submitted by 11:59pm, Monday, November 1, 2011! Many districts still had claim forms outstanding! Those districts can be found at: http://www.oms.nysed.gov/stateaid/NOT_HERE.HTM READ MORE>>
Elluminate Session on Fall Workshop
If you were unable to attend one our Fall Workshops, the State Aid Planning Service has conducted a web-based workshop. This is an abbreviated session (one hour) covering the following topics:
- An overview of 2011-12 State Aid to Education
- An overview of general State Aid concepts
- Property Tax Cap
To view the recorded session, use the link: http://bit.ly/o10TNi
Update to the Fall Workshop Materials
We have discovered an error on one of our fall 2011 workshop handouts, the State Aid Factor Sheet. Only districts eligible for the high need supplemental building aid ratio or HNSBAR need to print the corrected factor sheet, which is available on our website: 2011 State Aid Factors. If you have any questions regarding this message, please contact our office at (518) 477-2635.
September 2011
Education Jobs Fund 2011-12 Online Application/Budget is Available
Districts may now submit their 2011-12 Education Jobs Fund application. The application has been posted on SED Business Portal under the “ARRA Reporting System”. READ MORE>>
Updated Information for Audit Notification to SchoolDistricts
The Independent Audit is due to SED by October 17th. There are some additional procedures the district needs to follow. READ MORE>>
SAP Update SA-139 Forms Due October 14, 2011
The SED State Aid Office recently posted an important notification regarding the submission of Form SA-139 by October 14, 2011 for capital construction projects that have been bid and for which the general construction contract is signed. READ MORE>>
Filing Transportation Contracts with SED
Does your district have transportation contracts? If so, remember to file the contracts with the State Education Department. READ MORE>>
August 2011
Final Expenditure and Annual Program Reports for RTTT
SED just released information regarding the final expenditure reports for 2010-11 RTTT funds. Specific questions regarding RTTT programs should be directed to SED at 518-474-4735. READ MORE>>
The Comptroller has released the 2012-2013 ERS rates
The New York State Comptroller has released the 2012-2013 ERS rates. The press release can be found at http://www.osc.state.ny.us/press/releases/aug11/082411.htm. READ MORE>>
Bonds and BANS Issued in 2010-11 - SED Reporting Requirements
Reporting information to SED regarding bonds and bans issued during the 2010-11 school year. READ MORE>>
July 2011
Guidebook to State Aid Claim Forms A & F
Now available online is the guidebook to State Aid Claim Forms A & F. READ MORE>>
State Aid Claim forms are available!
The 2011-12 state aid claim forms and the ST-3 are available on the State Aid Management System (SAMS). A link to SAMS and additional information can be found on SED’s state aid unit website: http://stateaid.nysed.gov/.
New IRS mileage rate is 55.5 cents, effective 07/01/2011
The IRS increased the mileage reimbursement rate to 55.5 cents. The new rate is effective July 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011. The Internal Revenue Service press release can be found at: http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=240903,00.html
June 2011
Property tax cap for school districts signed into law
Attached to this message is a brief summary of the recently enacted tax cap legislation applicable to school districts. The tax cap is part of Chapter 97 of the Laws of 2011, which also enacts a tax cap for other units of local government, includes certain mandate relief provisions and extends rent control laws. We will disseminate another message soon outlining the mandate relief provisions of Chapter 97. READ MORE>>
2011-12 State Aid Payment Schedule Changes – Factor New Later Dates for Certain Payments Into 2011-12 Cash Flow Projections
A number of State Aid payment due dates were changed in law as part of the 2011-12 state budget agreement. The SED State Aid Unit has posted a comprehensive chart showing the complete schedule of 2011-12 State Aid payments. READ MORE>>
CPI for 2011-12 Transportation Contract Extensions is2.9%
SED has posted the May 2011 percentage change in the CPI (2.9%) that is to be used for the extension of student transportation contracts for the 2011-12 school year, http://www.p12.nysed.gov/schoolbus/. Please find information from SED about pupil transportation contracts and contract extensions at: http://www.p12.nysed.gov/schoolbus/contracts.html.
Verify Students to Ensure Aid is not Lost
The STAC unit at SED publishes reports to remind districts to complete online verifications for 2008 and 2009 special education private placements, summer special education placements, Non Resident Homeless Programs, Incarcerated Youth Programs and Chapter placements. READ MORE>>
SAMS Reporting Errors revealed by 2010-11 State Aid Claim Verification Projects
The State Aid Office at SED recently posted a number of common claim reporting errors as revealed through their State Aid claim verification process. If your district’s claim contains any such errors and is not revised, you may receive less aid than your district is due and/or be subject to future overpayments. READ MORE>>
Final Cost Reports Due No Later than June 30, 2011
The State Education Department’s Facilities Planning Unit has released a list per school district of building projects they anticipate will have a Final Cost Report (FCR) filed by 6/30/2011. READ MORE>>
April 2011
Submission of Claims for Medicaid Reimbursement
Medicaid in Education Alert 11-02 indicates school districts may now submit properly documented Medicaid claims for the reimbursement of supportive school health services that were provided to eligible students on or after 9/1/2009. READ MORE>>
Reminder the 2010-11 Textbook, Software and Library Materials Aid will be Frozen April 30, 2011
This is a reminder to all districts that the 2010-11 Textbook, Software and Library Materials Aid will be frozen April 30, 2011. READ MORE>>
Race to the top budgets are due 4/22/11
In order to ensure timely completion of RTTT budgets and subsequent payments to LEAs, NYSED is asking grantees to submit their first year RTTT budgets for activities occurring between 10/1/2010 and 6/30/2011 by close of business on Friday, April 22, 2011. READ MORE>>
End of State Fiscal Year Payment
Districts have received notice of an End of State Fiscal Year Payment. This payment is not shown on the “2010-11 Combined and Fixed Individualized Payment Schedule”. This is a prepaid percentage of your June apportionment. READ MORE>>
March 2011
School Aid Runs Now Available
Late last night and early this morning, the Assembly and Senate passed the final pieces of the 2011-12 New York State budget. The much anticipated school aid runs were also released. READ MORE>>
ARRA and Education Jobs Fund Quarterly Reports Due By March 31st
As the state budget is being finalized in Albany, this is a brief reminder that ARRA quarterly reports must be submitted to SED through the ARRA Online Reporting System by March 31st. READ MORE>>
What happens when a District uses up all its Scheduled Snow Emergency Days?
Due to the unusual weather this school year, many districts have already used their scheduled snow emergency days, including many districts that rarely use these scheduled days. READ MORE>>
Tentative 2011-12 State Budget Deal Reached
As many of you may have already heard, the Governor and leaders of both the Assembly and Senate announced they reached a tentative 2011-12 state budget deal on March 27, 2011, in Albany. READ MORE>>
Fiscal Accountability and Special Education Information Supplement
The Fiscal Accountability and Special Education Information Supplement for 2009-10 are now available. The documents must be included in the materials made available to the public prior to the budget hearing. The documents can be found at: http://www.p12.nysed.gov/irs/reportcard/2011/supplemental/home.html.
February 2011
Governor Releases 21-Day Budget Amendments
Governor Cuomo released a series of amendments to his February 1st Executive Budget proposal. The majority of these amendments were merely technical edits and corrections. There are, however, two amendments that we wanted to bring to your attention. READ MORE>>
Comptroller’s Survey of Districts with EBALR
On February 15th, school districts received an e-mail from the Comptroller’s Office with a letter attached regarding each district’s Employee Benefits Accrued Liability Reserve (EBALR). All districts that have an EBALR were included in the e-mail distribution.
January 2011
New Fund Balance Reporting Guidance
Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statement Number 54 issued in April 2009 requires new classifications of fund balance for municipalities, including school districts, beginning with the June 30, 2011 financial statements. READ MORE>>
2010 Building Condition Survey Submission Deadline Extended
SED’s Office of Facilities Planning recently announced that the deadline to submit the 2010 Building Condition Survey has been extended from January 15, 2011 to June 30, 2011. Technical issues with the online submission form prompted this extension. State aid for the Building Condition Survey is paid the year following the expense and is claimed on Form FB in the SAMS system. For example, districts incurring expenses for Building Condition Surveys in 2010-11 will receive aid in 2011-12.
Additional details regarding Facilities Planning’s announcement can be found at: http://www.p12.nysed.gov/facplan/BldgCondSurv.htm
12-Month Consumer Price Index (CPI) Average Has Been Released
The US Department of Labor has released the 12-Month CPI average, showing a figure of 1.6%. This would suggest a 2011-12 contingent budget cap of 1.92% (1.6% x 120%).
ftp://ftp.bls.gov/pub/special.requests/cpi/cpiai.txt
Application for the Education Jobs Fund is now available!
The application for the Education Jobs Fund is now available on the SED Business Portal. The application can be accessed via the online ARRA reporting system under the “ESF Applications and Final Expenditures” tab. READ MORE>>
Changes in projection data due to SED by January 15th
According to the State Education Department’s State Aid unit website: To guarantee inclusion in the February 15th database file, all changes to 2010-11 SAMS should be submitted by January 15, 2011. READ MORE>>
2011 State of the State Address
Governor Andrew Cuomo’s first State of the State Address ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. Wednesday January 5th 2011. The Governor’s press office reports the speech will commence at 1:30 p.m. Information and instruction on how to view the speech via the internet can be found on the Governor’s website at http://www.governor.ny.gov/ . The address may be carried by your local public broadcasting station. Traditionally, a complete text of the speech is made available on the above website at the time of the presentation.
December 2010
NYSED Federal Education Jobs Fund Webinar - January 4
SED recently posted an announcement regarding an ELLUMINATE webinar to be held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday January 4, 2011. READ MORE>>
ARRA 2010 Fourth Quarter Reports Due by December 30, 2010
The ARRA Quarterly reporting system, accessed through the SED Business Portal, is now open for the 4th quarter of 2010. Districts are required to report on all 2010-11 ARRA allocations for the time period beginning September 16, 2010 through December 15,2010. READ MORE>>
Application for the Education Jobs Fund is now available!
The application for the Education Jobs Fund is now available on the SED Business Portal. The application can be accessed via the online ARRA reporting system under the “ESF Applications and Final Expenditures” tab. READ MORE>>
2009-10 Actual and 2010-11 Estimated Nonresident Tuition Rates Now Available
The 2009-10 Actual Nonresident Tuition Report (NRT) and the 2010-11 Estimated Nonresident Tuition Report (NRTEST) Output Reports have been published by SED. The reports can be accessed through your district’s State Aid webpage, located with your district’s other Output Reports. READ MORE>>
Federal Education Jobs Funds
It is official…Governor Paterson signed into law the legislation that authorized the appropriation for the Federal Education Jobs Fund. READ MORE>>
The 2010-2011 Combined Fixed & Individualized Payment Schedule is now available!
The Combined Fixed and Individualized Payment Schedule shows scheduled General Aid due to your district for the 2010-11 school year. The schedule includes estimated monthly payment information as well as estimated sustaining spring advance payment amounts and fall payments/advances made to districts. The schedule can be accessed through your district’s State Aid page (https://stateaid.nysed.gov).
IRS mileage rate effective 01/01/2011 is 51 cents
The IRS increased the mileage reimbursement rate to 51 cents from this year’s rate of 50 cents. The new rate is effective January 1, 2011. The Internal Revenue Services press release can be found at: http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=232017,00.html
Transportation Aid Contract Filing Date Approaches
Does your district have transportation contracts? If so, remember to file the contracts with the State Education Department within a 120 days of the start of service.
Transportation Contracts and Contract Extensions: Sign and File in a timely fashion to guarantee maximum Transportation Aid. READ MORE>>
BOCES output reports are now available
2010-2011 BOCES Output reports are now available on NYSED’s State Aid Unit website. The reports can be found at the link “Available from the SAMS State Aid Claim Page”. The reports appear at the bottom of the list. READ MORE>>
November 2010
Building Condition Survey Online Reporting
The new 2010 Building Condition Survey Online Reporting Form has been made available by SED’s Office of Facilities Planning. The online form can be accessed on NYSED's website. READ MORE>>
2010-11 State Aid Reconciliation Worksheet
Now available is a worksheet that will assist you in calculating your district’s 2010-11 State Aid. The worksheet references entries on the State Aid Output Reports that are available by way of the SED State Aid Office’s website at http://stateaid.nysed.gov. READ MORE>>
Verifying Summer Transportation Costs
The STAC unit recently notified school districts that verification of transportation costs for students in summer special education (Section 4408) programs is now an available online application under the DVSTR screen. While attempting to access this for Summer 2010 placements we discovered that verification of the transportation costs is only available after the student program has first been verified. READ MORE>>
October 2010
2010-2011 State Aid Output Reports Are Now Available
The NYSED State Aid Office recently announced the release of districts’ 2010-11 State Aid Output Reports. It is important to note that Output Reports are only available for districts that have submitted all claim forms and schedules and which have since been listed as ‘Clean’ or ‘Clean with Issues’ by SED. READ MORE>>
September 2010
Race To The Top (RTTT) preliminary allocations are available!
Race To The Top (RTTT) preliminary allocations are available on SED’s website. Allocations can be found at http://usny.nysed.gov/rttt/LEAallocation92810.pdf.
Information about timelines and payments can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions at SED’s RTTT website http://usny.nysed.gov/rttt/
MAP Contingency Plan - State Aid Reductions
Our office has received a number of calls over the last couple weeks regarding the trickling-in of information about the FMAP Contingency Plan (Chapter 313 of the Laws of 2010) State Aid Reductions. In hopes of addressing some of the assumptions out in the field, we have compiled and summarized the currently known information. READ MORE>>
Federal Education Jobs Funds – Federal Guidance
The following link provides the initial guidance on the Jobs funding: Initial Guidance for States on theEducation Jobs Fund Program. Second bullet on page 3 indicates that no additional application will be required. Part D starting on page 6 discusses how the funds can be used. As we discussed, the federal guidance indicates this money can be carried into 2011-2012 which may be a good choice to help soften the loss of ARRA funds after this year.
Education Law Reporting Application and SEDDAS
Does someone on your staff need a short refresher on entitling staff to SED’s web based applications? As you know the Education Law Reporting form is now on SED’s business portal, HOWEVER the Super DA (superintendent) needs to entitle someone to the system in order to complete the information. READ MORE>>
Education Law Section 2053 Reporting
The following email was recently sent by SED to superintendents regarding reporting requirements for reporting lawyers providing legal services to school districts and BOCES. READ MORE>>
SA-139 Forms Due by October 15, 2010
The SED State Aid Office has just posted an important notification regarding the submission of Form SA-139 by October 15, 2010 for capital construction projects that have been bid and for which the general construction contract is signed. READ MORE>>
2010-2011 Limited English Proficient (LEP) Commissioner's Regulations Part 154 Application and Guidelines – Due September 30, 2010
All districts in New York State are required to identify Limited English Proficient (LEP) students and provide them with appropriate Bilingual and/or English as a Second Language (ESL) services. READ MORE>>
August 2010
2010-11 State Aid Estimates Are Now Available
Late yesterday, SED posted estimates of the 2010-11 State Aid for school districts. This information can be viewed at your district’s State Aid page at: http://stateaid.nysed.gov. READ MORE>>
ST-3 Update: SS-8
SED has updated the current ST-3 with the release of SS-8 (“Expenditures under The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009”). This data is being requested by SED in order to comply with federal reporting requirements. READ MORE>>
Did you issue debt for school construction in 2009-10?
If yes, then please be sure to submit to SED by September 1st either an SA-132 (bonds or capital notes) or an SA135 (BANS). READ MORE>>
SAMS Schedule F6 – Due September 1st
Schedule F6 is used to report all bus purchase borrowings made between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010. All bus purchase borrowings (bonds, BANs, BAN renewals, capital notes) must be reported to SED by September 1st of the following school year. (Example: Borrowings issued between 7/1/09 and 6/30/10 must be reported by 9/1/10). READ MORE>>
Reminder... The tax collector must publish a notice twice.
The tax collector upon receipt of the warrant must publish a notice in a newspaper which states that the warrant has been received and all taxes due must be received within one month from the time of the first published notice. READ MORE>>
Just a Reminder: Applications for STAR Reimbursement are Due
The NYS Department of Taxation and Finance Office of Real Property Services oversees the reimbursement for New York’s School Tax Relief Program (STAR). Forms and instructions can be found on their website at:
http://www.orps.state.ny.us/star/star_forms.cfm#schools
The links below are for each of the forms school districts may need to complete.
- All school districts must complete one of the following three Forms RP6704-A1, RP6704-A2 or RP6704-A3
- All school districts must also complete Form RP6704-B
- School districts located in more than one city or town must also complete either Form RP6704-C1 or RP6704-C2
2010-11 State Budget Complete
The Senate passed the final bill necessary to officially complete the 2010-11 State Budget.The Governor is expected to sign it shortly. READ MORE>>
July 2010
2009-10 End of School Year Fiscal Reports are available
2009-10 End of School Year Fiscal Reports have been posted on the NYSED’s State Aid Units website ( https://stateaid.nysed.gov/ ). This report shows all the state aid payments made to the district during the 2009-2010 school year. READ MORE>>
School Business Official Calendar
Available for download is the new guidebook that will assist you in the upcoming year: 2010-11 School Business Officials Guidebook
Change to Minimum Requirement for Bidding of PurchaseContracts
Last month legislation was passed increasing the minimum requirement for bidding of purchase contracts for materials, supplies, and equipment from $10,000 to $20,000. This is generally interpreted as covering groups of items as well as individual items. The effective date of this change was June 22, 2010. READ MORE>>
Final Expenditure Report for 2009-10 ARRA ESF Fund Now Available
The Final Expenditure Report for the 2009-10 ARRA Education Stabilization Fund is now available through the SED Business Portal: http://portal.nysed.gov/. This report is in place of the traditional FS-10F process. Districts will be required to submit data based on actual expenditures that correspond to approved budget and program narratives, as well as any deviations from the approved budget, as amended in the Supplemental Application process. READ MORE>>
June 2010
Governor vetoes restoration to school aid
The Senate and Assembly passed budget legislation that included a restoration of approximately $600 million in school aid. Governor Paterson indicated he was going to reject 6900 appropriations included in the agreement. Included in the list of vetoes is the restoration to education passed by the legislature. Details of the vetoes were not available at this time. READ MORE>>
Allocations for 2010-2011 Title I and IDEA grants now available…
School districts can access their 2010-2011 IDEA Section 611 and Section 619 grant allocations at the web address http://eservices.nysed.gov/alloweb/. The application for the IDEA grants and related FS-10 budgets are due July 1, 2010. Additional guidance regarding the IDEA application can be found at http://www.vesid.nysed.gov/spedfin/application_instructions.htm. READ MORE>>
State Aid Claim forms are available!
The 2010-11 state aid claim forms and the ST-3 are available on the State Aid Management System (SAMS). A link to SAMS and additional information can be found on SED’s state aid unit website: http://stateaid.nysed.gov/.
Please note the following information regarding funding under NCLB:
NCLB Title IV, Part A
NCLB Title IV, Part A Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities Act State Grants portion of funding to local educational agencies will be eliminated, effective for 2010-2011. Information can be found at: http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/ssae/schoolsafety/sdfsca/
NCLB Title I
2010-2010 Title 1 allocations are expected to be available this week. Please monitor the following website for more information: http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/nclb/
UPDATED: State and Local Retirement Incentive
In light of the widespread questions and rumors surrounding the recent state and local retirement incentive that was signed into law by Governor Paterson on June 2nd, we wanted to update you on what we currently know of this incentive. READ MORE>>
CCR Update Needed for 2010-2011 ARRA Funding
In 2009-2010 school districts were required to register with Central Contractor Registration (CCR) to access their ARRA funds. This was a new process for many districts that included the need for a DUNS number and then online registration in CCR. CCR requires each entity’s information to be updated annually in order to remain active in the CCR database. That means all districts will have to update their information sometime over the next few months to be able to participate in the ARRA funding that will again be available for 2010-2011. READ MORE>>
May 2010
Clarifying Information for the Elected & Appointed Online Reporting Requirement
SAP recently distributed an e-mail pertaining to new regulation 315.4 which expanded reporting requirements for Elected & Appointed positions. Generally the regulation pertains to elected officials and their appointees. However, school districts may have a hand full of positions that must comply with the requirements as well. READ MORE>>
Elected & Appointed Officials Reporting (EAOR)
The Office of the State Comptroller has announced the online availability of the Elected & Appointed Officials Reporting (EAOR) system. READ MORE>>
April 2010
2010 Triennial Asbestos Inspection Requirement
The SED Office of Facilities Planning has disseminated guidance to school districts regarding the requirement to inspect buildings that have asbestos containing materials. READ MORE>>
Retirement Incentive Legislation - SIGNED
On April 14th, the Governor signed S6972a, the 55/25 retirement legislation, into law. READ MORE>>
Metropolitan Transit Authority Tax Reimbursement - Q&A From SED
Is there any mechanism for school districts to be reimbursed for this year's MTA tax? When will school districts receive MTA reimbursement for the 2009-10 year? Will school districts get an additional MTA reimbursement for the 2010-11 year? Answers to these questions are posted in the full article. READ MORE>>
2008-09 School Report Cards Soon Available
The 2008-09 School Report Cards will be released to the public on Thursday, April 15, 2010. READ MORE>>
Retirement Incentive Legislation
The Assembly passed S6972a, the Senate’s version of the 55/25 retirement incentive legislation. The bill will next be delivered to the Governor for his signature. READ MORE>>
Property Tax Report Card
Saturday, April 24th is the final date for submission of the district’s Property Tax Report Card to SED. READ MORE>>
Medicaid Update
We hope that your district is keeping records of IEP required related services for Medicaid claims. You know that currently districts can not submit claims for reimbursement. However, once the State Plan is accepted services provided during the 2009-2010 school year can be submitted. READ MORE>>
March 2010
Final Cost Reports Due: June 30th, 2010
The Office of Facilities Planning has posted on their website an updated list of projects that have final building project reports (final cost reports) due by June 30, 2010. READ MORE>>
Is Your District Maximizing Instructional Materials Aids
2009-10 Instructional Materials Aids will be frozen as of April 30th. At this time, districts should be reviewing the Instructional Materials Output reports and submitting any revisions to SED no later than April 19th. READ MORE>>
Important Information - March 31, 2010 General State Aid Payments -
No End Of State Fiscal Year Payment
In past years, most school districts received two payments of General State Aid at the end of the state fiscal year on March 31st. One is called the "Sustaining Spring Advance" and the other the "End of State Fiscal Year" payment. READ MORE>>
SED Revises the 2010-11 Contingent Budget Cap to 0%!!
Last night the State Education Department amended their stance on the Contingent Budget Cap for 2010 -11. The Contingent Budget Cap has now been CHANGED from -.4% to 0%. Available for download is the new Budget Cap worksheet reflecting this new change. READ MORE>>
Update on NYS Budget Process
Last week the NYS Senate passed a budget resolution which for the most part supported the 2010-11 budget presented by Governor Paterson. The Senate resolution supports the Governor’s proposal to cut $1.4 billion in state aid to education. READ MORE>>
Contingent Budget Cap for 2010-11 IS -0.4%
SED has just disseminated guidance regarding contingent budget appropriation cap calculations to be used for 2010-11 budget development including an updated Contingent Budget Cap Worksheet. READ MORE>>
What happens when a District uses up all its Scheduled Snow Emergency Days?
Due to the unusual weather this school year, many districts have already used their scheduled snow emergency days, including many districts that rarely use these scheduled days. READ MORE>>
Reminder: Universal Pre-K (UPK) funds are accounted for in the Special Aid Fund
Although the Governor’s 2010-2011 Executive Budget proposal shows UPK funds, the aid is not part of the General Fund. As you know, the revenue and expenditures must be reported in the Special Aid Fund and are not part of the General Fund that is voted on by the public in May. READ MORE>>
Do you need to change district policy regarding public works contracts?
In November legislation was passed increasing the minimum requirement for bidding of contracts for public works to $35,000 up from $20,000. READ MORE>>
February 2010
Update on Title I School Level Expenditure Reporting
This message is a follow up to our earlier communication dated February 12, 2010 regarding Title I School Level Expenditure Reporting From State and Local Funds for the 2008-09 School Year. Such reporting is mandated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). READ MORE>>
We are listening...
At the beginning of our statewide workshop series, several clients mentioned that districts need to be made aware of the Governor’s proposal to change the reimbursement rate for summer school special education programs. READ MORE>>
Verify the district's special placements online to be eligible for a March payment
SED’s STAC unit has a report available that reminds districts if they need to complete online verifications for summer 2008 and summer 2009 special education placements, Non Resident Homeless Programs and Incarcerated Youth Programs. READ MORE>>
Preliminary Guidance for School-Level Expenditure Reporting Released by SED
SED has posted a memo outlining guidance for a new requirement from the US Department of Education that districts receiving Title I, ARRA funds in the 2009-2010 school year must report certain General Fund and Special Aid Fund personnel expenses at the building level for 2008-2009. READ MORE>>
Reminder to File SA-16
§ 156.4 of the Commissioner’s Rules and Regulations requires Commissioner approval for bus purchases before state aid can be paid. To request approval form SA-16 must be submitted to the NYS Education Department within one year of purchase date. READ MORE>>
January 2010
The 2010-11 Budget Development Guidelines For School Districts is now available
Download the latest Budget Development Guidebook (PDF)
On-line Verification of Chapter 348 Nonresident and Runaway Homeless Students for the 2008-09 School Year - Due By February 19, 2010
Starting with the 2008-09 school year your district must on-line verify its Chapter 348 Homeless education services using the DVHOM screen. The DVHOM screen works similarly to the 10-month private DVPRV on-line verification screen first required for the 2006-07 school year and the 2-month summer DVSUM Section 4408 on-line verification screen first required for summer 2008. READ MORE>>
2010-11 Executive Proposal for Aid to Education
Now available is the State Aid and Financial Planning's Summary of the 2010-2011 Executive Proposal. READ MORE>>
SED has mailed detailed 2010-11 Executive Budget aid runs to school districts!
State Aid Planning has learned that the runs were mailed on Wednesday 1/21/2010 to superintendents of schools along with a cover letter from SED Senior Deputy Commissioner John King. READ MORE>>
State Aid and Financial Planning Service Staff Update
We would like to welcome our new specialist, Charles Cowen. Charlie most recently served as the business official/treasurer at Waterville CSD. Charlie will be working out of the Satellite office at Oneida BOCES and can be reached at 315.793.8608. He is looking forward to working with you, so please feel free to give him a call.
2010-11 Executive Budget School Aid Runs are Available!
The 2010-11 Executive Budget proposes to reduce school aid by $1.1 billion from the 2009-10 school year. This amount is the net of an increase of $367 million in the cost of expense based aids, offset by a formula to produce a negative adjustment to 2010-11 aids of $2.1 billion called the Gap Elimination Adjustment or GEA. The GEA is partially restored or offset by the proposed allocation of $729 million remaining in the federal ARRA Educational Stabilization Fund. READ MORE>>
12-Month Consumer Price Index (CPI) Average Has Been Released
The US Department of Labor has released the 12-Month CPI average, showing a figure of -0.4. READ MORE>>
Changes in projection data and 2008-09 STAC forms should be submitted to SED by Friday 1/15/10!
To clarify our earlier correspondence from January 13th (shown below) :
Submitting 2008-09 STACs by January 15th will provide SED with the most timely information regarding aid for students with disabilities, thus making your district’s aid projection that much more accurate. This does not mean that STACs will not be accepted and aided if submitted after January 15th. READ MORE>>
Reminder: SH-900.1 Form – NYSDOL Summary of Work Related Injuries and Illnesses
This form is a requirement of the NYS Department of Labor and must be completed annually to report work related injuries and illnesses READ MORE>>
Governor Paterson Says December Aid Delays Will Be Repaid
According to the Albany Times Union, earlier this morning Gov. Paterson announced his intent to payback the more than $500 million in school aid he delayed in December. READ MORE>>
Changes in projection data should be submitted to SED by next Friday!
According to State Education Department state aid unit website: To guarantee inclusion in the February 15th database file, all changes to 2009-10 SAMS should be submitted by January 15, 2010. READ MORE>>
Revised GEN Reports Are Now Available on the State Aid Unit Website
Revised GEN reports are now available on the State Aid Unit website. The updated GEN report accurately reflects the impact of the Supplemental Deficit Reduction or Deficit Reduction Spin Up on your General State Aid payments. READ MORE>>
State of the State Address
Happy New Year! January 6th at 1 pm, Governor David Paterson will address a joint session of the Legislature with a State of the State message. During the session the Governor will highlight his plan for the State. READ MORE>>
General Formula Aid Output Report Errors
Please note that due to some errors in the calculations on the GEN report, SED is currently in the process of revising and reissuing the GEN reports available on the State Aid Unit website. We will notify you as soon as the revised reports are available. Any copies of the GEN report you have retained should be discarded and replaced with the new report. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
December 2009
Revised General Aid Output Report Reflecting "Deficit Reduction Spin Up"
District's General Aid Output Reports are now showing a new entry 26B. This entry reflects your districts Deficit Reduction Spin Up, and is called "Supplemental Deficit Reduction Assessment" on the output report. Below is a copy of this new entry. READ MORE>>
Update on Federal ARRA Educational Stabilization Funds
Earlier in December 2009, Legislation was enacted to partly close a current year state budget deficit that is estimated to be be $4 billion. Instead of the mid-year school aid reduction proposed by Governor Paterson, Legislation was enacted to reduce the State's General Fund obligation for 2009-10 school aid by allocating more than an additional $391 million from the federal ARRA Educational Stabilization Fund for this purpose. READ MORE>>
2008-09 Actual and 2009-10 Estimated Nonresident Tuition Rates Now Available!
The 2008-09 Actual Nonresident Tuition Report (NRT) and the 2009-10 Estimated Nonresident Tuition Report (NRT EST) output reports have been published on the State Aid web site and are also available in the State Aid Management System (SAMS) 2009-10 claim year. READ MORE>>
Have you heard there are new Medicaid policies and procedures?
As you know, New York State is working with the federal government on a new plan for school districts to claim Medicaid funds. READ MORE>>
Does your district have transportation contracts?
If so, remember to file the contracts with the State Education Department.
Transportation Contracts and Contract Extensions: Sign and File in a timely fashion to guarantee maximum Transportation Aid READ MORE>>
Update on State Aid Payments
State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli has posted on his website a press release with information about the reduced state aid payments READ MORE>>
November 2009
STAR Payment Schedule
Has your district not received an anticipated October STAR payment? That’s likely because the STAR payment scheduled has reverted to the program’s original permanent law language for 2009-10. READ MORE>>
October 2009
Governor Paterson's 2009-10 Gap Elimination Adjustment and School Reduction Runs
Governor Paterson released a two-year, $5.0 billion Deficit Reduction Plan aim at eliminating the current-year budget gap ($3 billion) and instituting major initiatives, such as Tier V Pension Reform and a State Spending Cap. This proposal includes a current year school aid reduction of approximately $686 million (4.5%). This proposal will be considered by the Senate and Assembly in a Special Legislative Session on a date yet to be announced. READ MORE>>
Governor Paterson's 2009-10 Anticipated Budget Deficit
Governor David Paterson unveiled a plan eliminate the state's 2009-10 anticipated budget deficit. The Governor's deficit reduction plan, which will require the approval of the State Legislature, proposes to reduce 2009-10 school aid by $686 million. READ MORE>>
Claiming your district's CPSE administrative costs!
The Chairperson of Committee on Preschool Special Education received a memorandum from the STAC and Special Aids Unit regarding the 2007-08 Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) administrative costs. This memorandum displays the cost claimed on the 2007-08 ST-3 Supplemental Schedule SS-31 through SS-34. If $0 appears in line one (1) of the reported expenditures then you may want to consider submitting revised Supplemental Schedule SS-31 through SS-34 to the STAC unit. Submissions must be signed and submitted by October 30, 2009. READ MORE>>
Attorney Reporting Requirements for School Districts and BOCES Now Available!!
All District Superintendents received a memo from the State Attorney General, State Comptroller and SED regarding the new Attorney Reporting Requirements for school districts and BOCES. The report for your district or BOCES is due October 23, 2009 via U.S. Mail Only! Please review this memo. Attached to this email are the Data Collection Forms and a "Question and Answer" document relating to the new requirements. State Aid Planning is available to answer your questions regarding this communication at (518) 477-2635.