NY A09855

Requires all union free school districts, central school districts, central high school districts, and small city school districts that operate high schools to establish a process for designating at least one student as an ex officio member of the school board.

Eliminates the previous requirement that school districts obtain voter approval before allowing student ex officio board membership.

Permits ex officio student members to sit with board members at all public meetings and hearings and may participate in other board activities at the board's discretion, but prohibits them from voting, attending executive sessions or closed meetings, or receiving compensation.

Removes the requirement that ex officio student members must be high school seniors, changing the qualification to students who have attended a high school for at least one year prior to selection.

Establishes that each Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) shall have one or more ex officio student members based on the number of component districts it serves.

Adds ex officio student members to city school districts in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Yonkers, with student members not counted toward the total number of board members for statutory purposes.