New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S09861

Introduced
4/9/26  

Caption

Provides for the inclusion of a faculty or staff member on the board of trustees of community colleges elected by and from among the faculty and staff of the college.

Impact

If passed, S09861 would modify the composition of the boards of trustees for community colleges, requiring each board to have an elected faculty or staff member. The bill stipulates that this member would have the same parliamentary privileges as other voting members, fostering a commitment to shared governance. This change may lead to more inclusive policy-making within the boards, with the potential to address concerns directly from faculty and staff representatives about educational policies and practices at their institutions.

Summary

Bill S09861 proposes an amendment to New York's education law to include a faculty or staff member elected by their peers on the board of trustees of community colleges. This inclusion seeks to enhance representation and bring unique insights from faculty and staff perspectives to the governance of community colleges. The bill reflects a growing recognition of the importance of diverse voices in decision-making processes, ensuring that educators have a direct input on matters affecting their institutions.

Contention

Despite its progressive intent, the bill may face opposition from those who fear it could complicate governance or dilute decision-making efficiency. Critics might argue that adding another layer of representation could slow down the decision-making process or introduce additional conflict among board members. The discussion surrounding this bill may also focus on the balance of power within the boards of trustees, questioning whether adding faculty and staff representation aligns with the existing structural dynamics of governance in community colleges.

Companion Bills

NY A11170

Same As Provides for the inclusion of a faculty or staff member on the board of trustees of community colleges elected by and from among the faculty and staff of the college.

Previously Filed As

NY A11170

Provides for the inclusion of a faculty or staff member on the board of trustees of community colleges elected by and from among the faculty and staff of the college.

NY S04685

Provides for the inclusion of a faculty or staff member on the board of trustees of community colleges elected by and from among the faculty and staff of the college.

NY A05979

Provides for the inclusion of a faculty or staff member on the board of trustees of community colleges elected by and from among the faculty and staff of the college.

NY S09218

Adds members to the board of trustees of the state university of New York who represent the interests of community colleges as full voting members of the board of trustees; provides that the local legislative body or board of the county in which a community college is located may appoint a trustee in the event that the governor fails to appoint such trustee within 180 days of a vacancy on a board of trustees of a community college.

NY A10204

Adds members to the board of trustees of the state university of New York who represent the interests of community colleges as full voting members of the board of trustees; provides that the local legislative body or board of the county in which a community college is located may appoint a trustee in the event that the governor fails to appoint such trustee within 180 days of a vacancy on a board of trustees of a community college.

NY S1700

To ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff on the campuses of state colleges, community colleges and state universities

NY A10484

Relates to the membership of the board of trustees of the state university of New York; reduces the number of trustees appointed by the governor from fifteen to ten; adds one trustee appointment by the speaker of the assembly, one by the temporary president of the senate, one by a majority vote of SUNY and CUNY staff, and two by a majority vote of SUNY alumni.

NY S168

Requires membership of boards of trustees of State colleges and universities and county colleges to include two college employees.

NY A1128

Requires membership of boards of trustees of State colleges and universities and county colleges to include two college employees.

NY AB2019

Community colleges: deported or detained faculty.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.