Res. No. 505

Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation to convert the School Construction Authority from a public benefit corporation to a New York City agency.

By Council Member Paladino

Whereas, The New York City School Construction Authority (SCA) was established by the New York State Government in December 1988 under Title 6 of the New York State Public Authorities Law, known as The New York City School Construction Authority Act (the Act); and

Whereas, The Act established the SCA as a public benefit corporation governed by a 3-member board of trustees consisting of the chancellor, or acting chancellor, and 2 other members, to be appointed by the mayor; and

Whereas, The SCA was created to build new public schools and manage the design, construction, and renovation of capital projects in New York City's (NYC) public school buildings; and

Whereas, Further, the SCA manages the NYC Department of Education's Capital Plan and is solely accountable for planning, real estate, and budgeting, as well as the scoping, design, and construction of new schools and additions, as well as capital improvements to existing schools; and

Whereas, According to its website, SCA’s mission is to design and construct safe, attractive, and environmentally sound public schools for children throughout New York City, and the SCA is dedicated to building and modernizing schools in a responsible, cost-effective manner while achieving the highest standards of excellence in safety, quality, and integrity; and

Whereas, The SCA has sole authority over NYC public school buildings, including design and construction of new schools and additions, as well as renovations and capital improvements to existing schools; and

Whereas, NYC school administrators, parents, and elected officials have complained of a lack of transparency and reporting, and poor performance on projects under control of the SCA; and

Whereas, Further, there have been complaints about a lack of respect for deadlines, with some projects taking much longer than expected, and facing funding shortfalls; and

Whereas, Particularly concerning are claims of a lack of supervision over underperforming subcontractors by SCA on some projects; and

Whereas, Converting the SCA into a NYC agency could consolidate local control over the SCA and improve accountability and transparency, as well as overall efficiency and effectiveness of school construction and capital projects in New York City; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation to convert the School Construction Authority from a public benefit corporation to a New York City agency.

LS # 16660

6/12/24

JA