New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S04685

Introduced
2/11/25  
Refer
2/11/25  
Engrossed
4/24/25  
Refer
4/24/25  
Engrossed
6/10/25  
Refer
6/10/25  
Engrossed
6/13/25  
Enrolled
12/8/25  

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 S04685 amends the education law to include a faculty or staff member on the board of trustees of community colleges in New York. This addition allows for one non-voting member elected by the faculty and staff to serve a two-year term, thereby increasing representation and input from the college community in governance decisions. The bill also stipulates that the election process for this member will be governed by the largest faculty organization on each campus, ensuring that the election is conducted fairly and in accordance with established guidelines.

Impact

The passage of this bill will modify the structure of community college boards of trustees by increasing their membership from ten to eleven members, thereby enhancing the governance framework of these institutions. It will also necessitate changes in the election processes for faculty and staff representation, potentially leading to more inclusive decision-making that reflects the interests of those directly involved in the educational environment. This change may also influence the dynamics of board discussions and decisions, as the faculty and staff will have a direct voice in governance matters.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill S04685 appears to be largely positive, as evidenced by the unanimous support in the Senate Higher Education Committee and the favorable votes in subsequent Senate and Assembly floor votes. The bill received a significant majority in both chambers, indicating broad bipartisan support for enhancing faculty and staff representation in community college governance.

Contention

While the bill has received substantial support, there may be some contention regarding the implications of adding a non-voting member to the board. Some stakeholders may question the effectiveness of a non-voting position in influencing board decisions, while others might express concerns about the potential for increased bureaucracy or the impact on existing governance structures. However, specific points of contention were not highlighted in the available discussions or voting records.

Companion Bills

NY A05979

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 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 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 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 S1700

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

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 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.

NY HB327

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

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.