Mid Hudson News: Mayer’s bill requiring school boards to appoint students becomes law

ALBANY – Governor Kathy Hochul this week signed legislation sponsored by Senator Shelley B. Mayer (D, Westchester) and Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner (D, Round Lake) to require every school board and Board of Cooperative Education Services in the State to appoint at least one student ex-officio member.

Through the legislation, school boards will now be required to appoint at least one student ex-officio member who may participate in all public meetings and sit with the other board members. These student members will not vote or be entitled to participate in executive sessions or any other non-public proceedings.

“Today, students navigate a myriad of challenges in their lives at home and school. Some of these challenges are familiar to those of us who were high school students decades ago,” Mayer said. “Others may not be, the impact of social media, the experience of social isolation since the pandemic, or fear and anxiety about the climate crisis. This legislation will ensure that students have a seat at the table where decisions that shape their educational opportunities and experience are made and that members of the Board hear and benefit from their insights as students.

Before this law, districts were allowed to appoint an ex-officio student member but had to seek approval from voters in their district via a referendum. This legislation simplifies the process, removing the referendum requirement and giving districts greater flexibility about how they appoint members. It will expand opportunities statewide for students to participate in their school board by ensuring every district has at least one student member.

This law will take effect July 1, 2025. The requirements of this bill apply to Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Yonkers, all Union Free School Districts, Central School Districts that operate a high school, Central High School Districts, Small City School Districts, and Boards of Cooperative Educational Services.

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