Bill > A08644

This bill allows certain school districts and their municipalities to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that permits a one-time annual increase in city funds to be excluded from the maintenance of effort (MOE) calculation. The maintenance of effort calculation is a standard requirement that ensures a consistent level of financial support for school districts from municipal funding sources. Specifically, the bill modifies existing education law to provide flexibility in how city funds are calculated for school district budgets. Under current law, cities must maintain a minimum level of funding for schools based on previous years' appropriations. The new provision would enable a school district and its municipality to agree, through a formal MOU signed before funds are appropriated, to increase the city amount without that increase being considered part of the standard maintenance of effort baseline. This could provide more budgetary flexibility for local governments while maintaining overall funding commitments to education. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8644