N.Y. Education Law § 1202: Legislative findings and intent

§ 1202. Legislative findings and intent. The legislature hereby finds,

determines and declares that:

1. Rural education is a critical factor and dominant force in

stimulating and maintaining socioeconomic development, economic

viability, social activity and cultural enrichment in rural regions of

New York state. Rural schools fill an integral role as centers of the

community and as a bridge for youth to connect with the broader society

in fulfilling their dreams and ambitions;

2. Rural areas account for more than half of the school systems,

boards of cooperative education services and colleges in the state;

3. Rural areas have unique conditions and circumstances which require

special consideration in the development and assessment of state policy,

including: (a) that rural areas contain many of the low-wealth,

low-spending school districts in the state; (b) that average incomes of

rural residents are lower than statewide norms; and (c) that per pupil

expenditures in rural schools are more than fifteen percent below the

statewide average;

4. Weaknesses exist in rural education inasmuch as rural schools have

difficulty attracting and retaining highly trained teachers and

administrators, teachers are spread thinly over several subject areas;

5. A limited knowledge base on small rural educational organizations

and lack of a systematic research agenda for rural schools limit the

potential for development of cohesive state policy for educational

services in rural New York;

6. The establishment of a program on rural education would enhance the

capacity of policy makers within state government: (a) to better

understand the inefficiencies and needs of the state's rural education

systems; (b) to assess the impact of existing and proposed government

mandates on rural areas; (c) to promote innovation, flexibility and

investment to ensure that rural residents have equitable access to and

receive quality educational services and opportunities; and (d) to

promote the long-term goal of improving the economic and social

well-being of rural communities as a direct result of improving rural

school performance.