Senate Passes Bill to Ease Transition for Military Students

Interstate Compact would remove barriers, standardize transfer for children of military families

ALBANY (June 22, 2010)—The New York State Senate has passed legislation that would enable New York State to join more than 30 other states in the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children.

This compact is intended to remove the barriers students from military families face when they transfer from one school in one state to a school in another state each time a parent in the military moves from one base to another, or when the family moves during a long deployment.

“This is about doing what’s right for the children of the men and women in our armed forces,” said Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine, who sponsored the legislation, which passed unanimously last week. “Military parents sacrifice so much to serve our country and their children make many of these sacrifices with them, moving from base to base across this country. This compact would create consistency for students whose parents may see two, three or more bases before graduating high school.”

The compact would ensure students are not disadvantaged by facilitating a timely enrollment, a uniform placement process, using a uniform qualification and eligibility requirement, providing for the enforcement of administrative rules, establishing rules for uniform collection and sharing of information, coordinating with other compact states, and promoting flexibility within the system.

“The Fort Drum Regional Liaison Organization is very pleased that the Senate passed the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children.” said Keith Caughlin, immediate past Chair of the FDRLO.  “Our local teachers, principals and superintendents have been working closely with military families for 25 years to eliminate transition issues, now they can expect that great treatment nation-wide. We thank Senator Aubertine, who was an early sponsor and supporter of the bill to address the problems military families face as their children move to new school districts or as parents deploy.”

 “Our military families make unique sacrifices as their soldiers answer our Nation’s call, if we can reduce stress and anxiety about enrolling in school; that is one less demand on them,” Mr. Caughlin continued. “Joining the Compact makes New York State part of the coalition of 32 States committed to easing the transition for students of military families. This is great for military families and children at Fort Drum but will enhance the educational experience for all children of military families across the country.”

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