Bill > A05211

This bill requires all school districts in New York to maintain a school library in each elementary and secondary school and employ a certified school library media specialist within three years of the bill's effective date. The employment of these specialists is based on a graduated scale depending on school enrollment: for schools with 100 or fewer pupils, a 0.15 full-time equivalent (FTE) specialist is required; for schools with 100-300 pupils, a 0.3 FTE specialist; for schools with 300-500 pupils, a 0.5 FTE specialist; and for schools with over 500 pupils, a full-time specialist. Additionally, schools with over 2,000 pupils must have two full-time specialists, with an additional specialist for each additional 1,000 pupils. Schools with at least 1,000 pupils must also employ a full-time library clerk, with an additional clerk for each additional 1,000 pupils. The bill allows the commissioner of education to grant a one-year waiver for schools in areas with a shortage of certified school library media specialists, but limits such waivers to no more than two consecutive years within a five-year period. The act will take effect on the first of July following its passage into law.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5211