Law Sponsored by Senator Shelley Mayer and Assembly Member Carrie Woerner to Require School Boards to Appoint a Non-voting Student Member Goes into Effect

State Senator Shelley B. Mayer and Assembly Member Carrie Woerner are pleased to announce their ground-breaking legislation to require every school board and Board of Cooperative Education Services in New York State to appoint at least one student ex-officio went into effect on July 1st of this year.

Under Mayer and Woerner’s 2024 legislation, S.9018A/A.9855A, signed by Governor Kathy Hochul in 2024, 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 be non-voting and will not be entitled to participate in Executive sessions or any other non-public proceedings.

Prior to 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 new law simplifies the process, removing the referendum requirement and giving districts greater flexibility about how they appoint members. Further, it expands opportunities statewide for students to participate in their school board by ensuring every district, including BOCES located throughout the state,  has at least one student member.

New York State Senator Shelley B. Mayer said, “I am thrilled that my bill with Assembly Member Woerner, which requires school districts and BOCES to appoint at least one non-voting student member to their school boards, has now taken effect. This new law ensures that students have a seat at the table when decisions are made that impact their educational opportunities and experiences. In addition, it gives young people the opportunity to participate in an impactful manner in decisions regarding their own education. It will also ensure adult Board Members have the opportunity to hear directly from student representatives regarding the decisions they make for every district. Since this bill passed the State Legislature and was signed by Governor Hochul, many school districts, including my home City of Yonkers, have already welcomed new student board members. As we approach a new school year, I am confident all districts will benefit from including student perspectives.”

Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner said, “Having been a student School Board member when I was in high school, I am confident this legislation will make a positive impact on school boards across the state. Student representatives are uniquely qualified to provide current perspectives on issues affecting their school and student body. I am grateful for Senator Mayer’s legislative partnership and for Governor Hochul’s decision to sign this bill into law. The upcoming school year will now see at least one student on every School Board in New York, ensuring students have a voice on matters that directly affect them.”