Under the FY 2007 Appropriations Act, P.L. 2006, c. 45 (July 8, 2006), DOE has until October 9, 2006 to prepare a statewide plan and budget for the implementation of the Abbott remedies. Consistent with prior Supreme Court mandates, the Legislature is requiring that DOE:

• account for the $13.7 million that it receives from Abbott parity funds to manage and supervise the Abbott remedies and
• prepare a plan to
• evaluate the Abbott programs and reforms
• implement a student level database and
• establish baseline data and program benchmarks for each Abbott district linked to State curriculum standards.

At the end of August 2006, Education Law Center sent a letter to Acting Commissioner of Education Lucille Davy reminding her of the Appropriations Act requirement that DOE "solicit the advice of Abbott stakeholders" in the development of its Abbott budget and plan. ELC noted the lack of public information available about the plan and budget process and asked Commissioner Davy to report on the status of their development, and on the process and time frames for engaging Abbott stakeholders.

ELC also reminded Commissioner Davy that preparation of a detailed and comprehensive Abbott plan and budget is essential for the fulfillment of DOE’s responsibilities to ensure that Abbott students achieve state standards and that the involvement of Abbott stakeholders in that process is critical to building support for the Abbott reforms.

For more information, contact ELC Senior Attorney Elizabeth Athos, 973-624-1815, ext. 20 or eathos@edlawcenter.org.

Prepared: September 6, 2006

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