New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A05979

Introduced
2/25/25  
Refer
2/25/25  
Report Pass
5/28/25  
Refer
5/28/25  
Report Pass
6/13/25  
Refer
6/13/25  

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.

Summary

Bill A05979 proposes an amendment to the education law to include a faculty or staff member on the board of trustees of community colleges in New York. This member would be elected by and from among the faculty and staff of the college, serving a two-year term. The bill aims to enhance representation on the board by allowing faculty and staff to have a voice in governance, thereby fostering a more inclusive decision-making process within community colleges. The bill also stipulates that the election process for this member will be regulated by the largest faculty organization on each campus, ensuring that the election is conducted fairly and in accordance with established guidelines.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will modify the structure of the boards of trustees of community colleges by increasing their membership from ten to eleven members, thereby enhancing faculty and staff representation. This change is expected to influence the governance of community colleges, as the inclusion of a faculty or staff member could lead to more informed decisions that reflect the interests and needs of the college community. The bill also aligns with broader efforts to promote shared governance in educational institutions, potentially setting a precedent for similar reforms in other educational settings.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A05979 appears to be generally favorable, as evidenced by the voting history where the bill received significant support in committee votes. The Assembly Higher Education Committee, for instance, reported the bill favorably with a 20-6 vote, indicating a positive reception among committee members. The bill has progressed through various committees, suggesting that there is a consensus on the importance of faculty and staff representation in college governance, although some opposition is noted in the voting records.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding the bill include concerns about the potential implications of adding another member to the board and how this might affect decision-making processes. Some members of the Assembly expressed apprehension about the balance of power within the board and whether the inclusion of a non-voting faculty or staff member would truly enhance governance or simply serve as a token representation. These concerns were primarily raised by those who voted against the bill in committee discussions.

Companion Bills

NY S04685

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 S09861

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 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 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 S1700

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

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 SB306

Education - Board of Community College Trustees for Baltimore County - Membership

NY HB327

Education - Board of Community College Trustees for Baltimore County - Membership

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.