Legislation Offers Lifeline for Funding of COVID-19 Equipment and Capital Improvements

In the midst of 2020-21 school reopening in August of 2020, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo signed into law Assembly Bill #A10492 to authorize certain COVID-19 related capital expenditures and reserve fund transfers.  Facing looming costs related to COVID-19 health and safety guidance and the shift to in-person learning, these tools have become needed …

School Districts’ and BOCES’ Ability to Purchase Via Piggyback Contract Law Has Been Extended

On April 6, 2021 Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a law that enables local governments, including school districts and BOCES to “piggyback” on contracts until July 31, 2023.  This law was set to expire on July 31, 2021, but has been extended by Chapter 95 of the Laws of 2021. Cooperative purchasing (commonly referred to as …

A Doctor’s Note is a Request for an Accommodation that Should Start an Interactive Dialogue

School district administrators need to remember that when an employee presents a doctor’s note recommending a leave of absence, a particular work restriction or job modification, it should be treated as a request for a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and/or the New York State Human Rights Law (HRL).  However, the …

Motto For Employee Misconduct Or Performance: Get ‘Em Good Or Get ‘Em Gone

Section 3020 of the Education Law provides, in part, “No person enjoying the benefits of tenure shall be disciplined or removed during a term of employment except for just cause” and in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 3020-a of the Education Law.  These procedures include formal written charges and a hearing.  Without …

School Employees to Receive Paid Leave for Covid-19 Vaccinations

Immunization Update

Under New York Public Health Law § 2164(7)(a), all schools must ensure that students attending school in grades Pre-K to 12 have received mandatory vaccinations.  School districts may not permit a student to attend school in excess of fourteen days without a certificate demonstrating compliance.  The only exemption to the immunization requirement is a certification …