The unit of the state Education Department that investigates moral misconduct cases in schools is understaffed and facing a backlog of more than 800 cases.
  

With the passage of the state budget this week, help is on the way.
  

The investigative unit looks into allegations of teachers and administrators having sex with students.
  

The budget includes more than 1 million dollars for the unit, allowing it to hire eight investigators and attorneys. The Spitzer administration had sought to cut the funding.
  

Senate Education Committee Chairman Stephen Saland of Poughkeepsie says considering what the money is spent on, it's a bargain.

   
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