New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S08528

Introduced
10/15/25  
Refer
10/15/25  

Caption

Establishes a three-year pilot program to be known as the "learner engagement and attendance program of New York (LEAP-NY)" in certain school districts of the state.

Impact

The bill intends to create an environment that significantly reduces absenteeism through targeted outreach and support strategies. Each participating school district will be tasked with establishing learner engagement and attendance teams that consist of trained staff and community partners. These teams will conduct outreach efforts like home visits, case management, and collaboration with community organizations to connect families with essential academic and non-academic support services. This initiative represents a structured attempt to confront chronic absenteeism and may lead to improvements in student performance and engagement.

Summary

New York Senate Bill S08528 aims to address chronic absenteeism in schools by establishing a three-year pilot program called the Learner Engagement and Attendance Program of New York (LEAP-NY). This program will focus on improving student attendance and enhancing family engagement in select school districts. Eligible districts include the one hundred largest school districts located outside major cities with populations exceeding one million, which will be competitively chosen based on their specific needs and challenges related to absenteeism.

Conclusion

If successful, S08528 could serve as a model for schools statewide in combating absenteeism, fostering a culture of family engagement in education, and improving overall student outcomes. Additionally, the comprehensive approach to tracking attendance and reporting will likely facilitate better data collection and monitoring of success across the participating districts, informing future educational policies in New York.

Contention

While the bill has supporters who believe it provides necessary support for struggling students and families, there may be concerns regarding its implementation and funding. The competitive nature of the program means only fifteen districts will receive the necessary support, which could leave many others without access to these vital resources. Critics might also worry about potential disparities between districts in terms of the ability to effectively engage families and provide support, especially in less affluent areas.

Companion Bills

NY A09173

Same As Establishes a three-year pilot program to be known as the "learner engagement and attendance program of New York (LEAP-NY)" in certain school districts of the state.

Previously Filed As

NY A09173

Establishes a three-year pilot program to be known as the "learner engagement and attendance program of New York (LEAP-NY)" in certain school districts of the state.

NY S244

Establishes three-year pilot program in DOE to support school district programs to increase length of school day or school year.

NY A03845

Establishes the psilocybin assisted therapy pilot program; provides such program will be offered to veterans and first responders from New York state; establishes a psilocybin assisted therapy pilot program fund.

NY LD471

Resolve, to Establish a Pilot Program to Expand Intensive English Language Learner Programs

NY A02152

Establishes a full year youth employment immersion pilot program for eligible youths and young adults between the ages of 16 and 24; directs the office of temporary and disability assistance to establish a youth or young adult employment immersion pilot program in 3 local social services districts, with one being located in the city of New York.

NY S00184

Establishes a full year youth employment immersion pilot program for eligible youths and young adults between the ages of 16 and 24; directs the office of temporary and disability assistance to establish a youth or young adult employment immersion pilot program in 3 local social services districts, with one being located in the city of New York.

NY S1639

Establishes project-based learning pilot program in DOE.

NY A10112

Extends the urban deer management pilot program for an additional three years.

NY S09098

Extends the urban deer management pilot program for an additional three years.

NY S01643

Establishes a job fair pilot program for certain residents of correctional facilities in the Wende and New York City correctional facility hubs.

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