Senator Ken LaValle’s Bill To Change The Method of Board of Regents Appointments Passes Senate

Albany, March 13, 2014 - Senator Ken LaValle’s Legislation to alter the way Board of Regents members are selected passed the New York State Senate today.   The action came two days after the State Assembly reelected the three Incumbent Board of Regents members amidst the uprise over the Common Core Curriculum implementation.

“We just went through a process that made very little sense - selecting incumbents who were responsible for one of the biggest education fiascos that anyone can remember.  The vote by the Democrat Majority in the Assembly is puzzling given the tremendous outcry on the Common Core Curriculum.” Senator LaValle said.  “Parents, teachers and administrators have told members of the Legislature repeatedly that the Common Core Curriculum thrust upon them by the Regents is having a harmful effect on the children of our State.  Change is imperative and the Legislature must alter the process to ensure there is greater responsibility and accountability to parents and children.” He concluded.

Senator LaValle’s bill (S2031A) would provide for a new appointment process that insures a more open and global participation by the executive and the majority and minority in the Senate and Assembly.  The bill amends the Education Law to provide that there will be seventeen appointed Regents; eight of whom would be chosen by the Governor; three by the Majority Leader of the Senate; three by the Speaker of the Assembly; one each by the Minority Leaders of the Senate and Assembly and one appointment to be selected on a rotating basis amongst the Governor, Majority Leader and Speaker. It would strengthen the system and open up membership to all worthy candidates.

The legislation was transferred to the Assembly for consideration and would take effect immediately upon signing by the Governor.

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