Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Boces Grants topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee reviews proposed changes to BOCES startup‑grant eligibility and award timing
Summary
Legislative counsel told the House Education Committee the draft miscellaneous bill would let supervisory unions exploring the formation of a Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) access a $10,000 startup grant to cover formation costs earlier in the process.
Legislative counsel walked the House Education Committee through proposed changes to the BOCES Startup Grant Program on Feb. 26 that would let supervisory unions (SUs) exploring the advisability of forming a BOCES apply for and receive a $10,000 grant to cover startup and formation costs.
The counsel read language establishing the BOCES Startup Grant Program to be administered by the Agency of Education from funds appropriated for the purpose and described the draft’s central change: granting eligibility earlier in the formation process so SUs working together to explore a BOCES can access funding for legal services or developing proposed articles of agreement. Current law required approval of articles of agreement before a BOCES could receive startup funding; the draft would make grants available to supervisory unions "after two or more boards vote to explore the advisability of forming a BOCES" and would limit awards so that only one supervisory union within a group exploring formation could receive the grant (to be split among participants).
Counsel made clear the language contains policy choices for the committee: the draft could allow only one SU in a group to receive the full $10,000, prorate awards among participating SUs, or permit each SU to apply individually. The bill as drafted preserves the existing appropriation amount and includes carryover language so unspent funds remain with the agency for subsequent years.
Why it matters: Committee members asked how BOCES startup grants would interact with possible larger district‑size restructuring, and counsel said interaction depends on policy choices the committee makes. No vote was taken. Counsel said the draft is a work in progress and solicited committee feedback on eligibility and award limits.
Ending: Counsel and agency staff will refine the language for a later draft based on committee direction about award eligibility, proration and how the program should function if district reorganization proceeds.
