New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S09965

Introduced
4/20/26  

Caption

Provides for the removal and other disciplinary action of part-time teaching assistants; provides for the procedure of such actions; authorizes suspension pending the determination of charges.

Impact

The implications of S09965 on state laws include a more structured and protective framework for part-time teaching assistants, ensuring their right to representation during questioning and the requirement for written notice prior to any disciplinary action. By instituting specific procedures, the bill aims to enhance due process rights for part-time educators, mandating that any disciplinary hearing be conducted appropriately while providing certain protections against arbitrary removals. This could lead to shifts in how school districts handle staffing and disciplinary challenges.

Summary

S09965 is a bill that proposes amendments to the education law regarding the removal and disciplinary procedures for part-time teaching assistants employed by public school districts or boards of cooperative educational services in New York. The bill stipulates that part-time teaching assistants, who have completed at least five years of continuous service in the unclassified civil service, cannot be removed or subjected to disciplinary actions except for documented incompetency or misconduct following a proper hearing process. This aims to protect long-serving employees and ensure fair treatment in disciplinary measures.

Contention

Points of contention surrounding S09965 might arise from stakeholders concerned with its effects on school administration flexibility versus employee protections. Critics could argue that imposing such strict requirements for removal processes may hinder schools' ability to address performance issues efficiently, potentially leading to conflicts between administrative needs and educators' rights. Conversely, supporters would emphasize the importance of safeguarding employees' rights against unjust dismissals, showcasing the need for a balanced approach that recognizes the rights of long-serving educators while still allowing for accountability in performance.

Companion Bills

NY A10148

Same As Provides for the removal and other disciplinary action of part-time teaching assistants; provides for the procedure of such actions; authorizes suspension pending the determination of charges.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.