Education

NYSLRS Enhanced Reporting – Gold Certification

Reminder: The New York State & Local Retirement System is requiring that all employers must switch to enhanced reporting by the end of 2023. There are many benefits of enhanced reporting.For employers: Maximize efficiency and improve service to employees...

Guest Article: Nonprofit Organization that Supports Schools: MusicBreeds: Rhythm Reach!

Using music as the driver, this local nonprofit organization empowers young people to build successful careers with a program centered on leadership, finance, entrepreneurship, and employment training. MusicBreeds services middle school and high school students through their music focused after-school program, summer camp, and online learning center.

Zero-emission School Bus Mandate – Update

In early August, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) released proposed eligibility guidelines for the Public School Bus Electrification Program being designed under the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs...

Artificial Intelligence – Use with Caution

s Artificial Intelligence, or AI, has been thrust into the public consciousness, many parents have become increasingly worried about its potentially negative effects on their children. In response to this, many school districts have been creating policies to ensure that teachers and students use AI responsibly. With input from key stakeholders such as administrators, teachers, students, IT departments, and the community an AI use policy should seek to enable teachers to supplement their students’ learning rather than supplant it. Any sensible AI policy should also seek to emphasis AI with humans in the loop.

Guest Article: Video-conferencing: Protecting against eavesdroppers using Zerify Defender

Hackers are getting more creative in finding areas where data can be exploited. Many video-conferencing platforms have provided an easy solution for doing business, but they can open private conversations to eavesdroppers and even with gated private rooms, they can be breached.

National Efforts to Improve K-12 School Cybersecurity

In early August, the White House and the Department of Education announced a federal effort to bolster K-12 cybersecurity at a summit and not a moment too soon. Shortly after the announcement, the New Haven Connecticut public schools suffered a $6 million breach as the email of one of the school officials was compromised. Schools are known to have a lot of sensitive data that is marketable on the dark web. Hackers also know that many schools do not have sufficient resources, both in staff and dollars, to adequately mitigate the risks.

New Rule Amends Community Eligibility Provision

This final rule amends the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) regulations by lowering the minimum identified student percentage (ISP) from 40 percent to 25 percent. Lowering the minimum ISP will give states and schools greater flexibility to offer meals to all...

Guest Article: Creating a Robust Travel & Expense Reimbursement Policy

One of the top issues we encounter when auditing travel reimbursement claims is determining what is considered an appropriate expense and does it comply with the district policy. As we are back out and traveling again, now is a good time to assess your travel and...

Required Electronic Filing Update – ACA Reporting

Final regulations issued by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) expand the requirement to electronically file certain returns and other documents with the IRS. This new requirement will impact employers who file Forms 1094-C, 1095-C, 1094-B and 1095-B. It will take effect for returns due to be filed on or after January 1, 2024.

New Form I-9

The new version of Form I‑9, Employment Eligibility Verification (PDF, 483.6 KB) along with new instructions are now available for use. This version contains changes to the form and instructions, including shortening the Form I‑9 to one page and reducing the instructions to eight pages.

NYSLRS Enhanced Reporting – Gold Certification

NYSLRS Enhanced Reporting – Gold Certification

Reminder: The New York State & Local Retirement System is requiring that all employers must switch to enhanced reporting by the end of 2023. There are many benefits of enhanced reporting.For employers: Maximize efficiency and improve service to employees...

read more
Zero-emission School Bus Mandate – Update

Zero-emission School Bus Mandate – Update

In early August, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) released proposed eligibility guidelines for the Public School Bus Electrification Program being designed under the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs...

read more
Artificial Intelligence – Use with Caution

Artificial Intelligence – Use with Caution

s Artificial Intelligence, or AI, has been thrust into the public consciousness, many parents have become increasingly worried about its potentially negative effects on their children. In response to this, many school districts have been creating policies to ensure that teachers and students use AI responsibly. With input from key stakeholders such as administrators, teachers, students, IT departments, and the community an AI use policy should seek to enable teachers to supplement their students’ learning rather than supplant it. Any sensible AI policy should also seek to emphasis AI with humans in the loop.

read more
National Efforts to Improve K-12 School Cybersecurity

National Efforts to Improve K-12 School Cybersecurity

In early August, the White House and the Department of Education announced a federal effort to bolster K-12 cybersecurity at a summit and not a moment too soon. Shortly after the announcement, the New Haven Connecticut public schools suffered a $6 million breach as the email of one of the school officials was compromised. Schools are known to have a lot of sensitive data that is marketable on the dark web. Hackers also know that many schools do not have sufficient resources, both in staff and dollars, to adequately mitigate the risks.

read more
New Rule Amends Community Eligibility Provision

New Rule Amends Community Eligibility Provision

This final rule amends the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) regulations by lowering the minimum identified student percentage (ISP) from 40 percent to 25 percent. Lowering the minimum ISP will give states and schools greater flexibility to offer meals to all...

read more
Required Electronic Filing Update – ACA Reporting

Required Electronic Filing Update – ACA Reporting

Final regulations issued by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) expand the requirement to electronically file certain returns and other documents with the IRS. This new requirement will impact employers who file Forms 1094-C, 1095-C, 1094-B and 1095-B. It will take effect for returns due to be filed on or after January 1, 2024.

read more