The Board of Regents, a 230-year-old institution, makes decisions that impact our schools and students in profound ways.
The board selects the commissioner of education and sets policy, including unfunded mandates, which the State Education Department carries out.
If you’ve been following my columns, you are aware of the concerns people have about our educational system.
The Common Core Standards were rushed through, and when the board’s hand-selected education commissioner was faced with criticism, he cancelled public meetings on the subject.
Considering the important role the Board of Regents plays in our state, New Yorkers deserve an open and transparent process by which members of the board are selected.
But, unfortunately, that’s not how it’s done.
The Legislature elects new Board of Regents members each year.
It’s hardly an open process.
Up until the last moment, we don’t know who will be nominated and, quite frankly, it’s a process dominated by downstate interests.
The voices of upstate New Yorkers are minimized and, ultimately, taxpayers have no say.
Something is inherently wrong with this system.
It seems odd that the public doesn’t have a say about who their representatives are on the Board of Regents, especially because education is so important to the public good.
Fortunately, we’re looking to change this.
I am in support of a bill that would change the rules regarding Board of Regents.
To give upstate New York a stronger voice, we would like to change the simple majority vote in the legislature to a two-thirds vote for the 13 districted Regents members.
This change will ensure downstate interests don’t dominate the process.
The bill would also allow each legislative leader to select one of the four at-large Regents members.
Additionally, all interested candidates for the Board of Regents would be required to announce their interest 21 days in advance of the vote in the legislature.
This will ensure proper vetting of candidates and no more last-minute interviews.
Lastly, it would require that any unfunded mandates on our schools be voted on by the full Legislature.
I do not mean to vilify the Board of Regents, quite the opposite.
I do, however, think it’s time for the system to better reflect our values, standards of democracy, and open and transparent government.
I welcome your opinions on this or any other state-related matter.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me at my Herkimer office at 315-866-1632, my Johnstown office at 518-762-6486 or by email at butlerm@assembly.state.ny.us.