Note: Language struck out (----------) and shaded represents proposed deletions to the existing bylaw and underlined language represents proposed additions to the existing bylaw. 

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PROPOSED BYLAW AMENDMENT 1 (Not recommended by Resolutions Committee)

Submitted by the Sullivan West, Hicksville, Massapequa, Oyster Bay-East Norwich, and Plainedge School Boards (6/9/25)

Article 6, Board Of Directors, shall be amended to include the following: 

The Board of Directors, or its designee, shall provide a summary report by email to all members at least once every two weeks. This report shall detail any lobbying or advocacy activities undertaken by NYSSBA in support of official positions previously adopted by the membership, including updates on legislative efforts, meetings with officials, public statements, or other relevant actions since the previous report. This report shall also include suggestions for "grassroots" advocacy by membership to assist NYSSBA in its advancement of adopted positions.

RATIONALE

NYSSBA's advocacy efforts are a vital part of its mission, particularly in representing the positions adopted by member districts at the Annual Business Meeting. While membership currently receives "Advocacy Update" emails, there is no formal mechanism ensuring regular communication to the membership about how these positions are being advanced. This amendment enhances transparency and accountability by requiring consistent, biweekly updates on lobbying and advocacy activities related to adopted positions. It ensures that member boards remain informed about the organization's efforts on their behalf, strengthens trust in NYSSBA's leadership, and allows districts to better align their local efforts with statewide advocacy. Providing timely, routine updates will also help members evaluate the effectiveness of NYSSBA's actions and stay engaged in the policy process.

EXPLANATION OF THE RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE

The Committee felt that there is not a clear need that is not currently being addressed. In general, the Committee felt that the quality, quantity and frequency of updates and communications meets the needs of membership. The Committee further felt that too many emails could instead have a negative effect, leading to members ignoring important information. In addition, the Committee noted that members are welcome to reach out directly to their respective Area Director if they need additional information or support, and that Area Directors are elected by their Area in part for that purpose. Lastly, the Committee felt that this proposal attempts to address something that is more operational and process-oriented in nature than what the Association’s bylaws should cover. 

DEI Committee Review: Neutral

REBUTTAL

Submitted by the Sullivan West School Board 

The following excerpt from the Resolutions Committee Explanation, “In addition, the Committee noted that members are welcome to reach out directly to their respective Area Director if they need additional information or support, and that Area Directors are elected by their Area in part for that purpose,” seems to indicate a misunderstanding by the Committee of the last sentence of the proposed amendment. The rationale behind that part of the proposed amendment is that direct grassroots advocacy by local school boards to their particular state representatives is likely to be taken seriously, and NYSSBA’s reaching out for assistance from member boards that are constituents of key legislators will be a valuable tool in advancing adopted positions. 

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PROPOSED BYLAW AMENDMENT 2 (Not recommended by the Resolutions Committee)

Submitted by the Massapequa, Cold Spring Harbor, Hicksville, Locust Valley, Mohonasen, Plainedge, and Sullivan West School Boards (7/15/25)

ARTICLE 9. COMMITTEES 

As amended October 26, 2019 

A. There shall be:

2. A Resolutions Committee, consisting of one school board member from each Association area, one member from one of the five large city school boards and one member from the Caucus of Black School Board Members appointed by the president at the first meeting of the newly elected board of directors subject to confirmation by the board. The committee shall review, but may not amend, resolutions and Bylaw amendments submitted to it by any member board or the Board of Directors.

Proposed resolutions or bylaw amendments must reach the Association office before the close of business on a date set annually by the board. Such due date shall not be later than August 1 or the Monday following August 1 if this date falls on a Saturday or a Sunday immediately preceding the annual meeting. Each resolution shall consist of a single "resolved" clause without "whereas" clauses, and shall address only one subject. A brief rationale statement may be included with each resolution or proposed Bylaw amendment.

The Resolutions Committee shall present a report of its recommendations to NYSSBA membership in a printed document for action at the annual business meeting. All proposed resolutions submitted by member school boards are to be brought to a full vote of the membership at the annual meeting, without review or recommendation by any committee or other third party. A resolution adopted at an annual meeting shall remain in effect and shall be part of NYSSBA's active program for five years, unless sooner rescinded, reaffirmed, implemented or enacted.

RATIONALE

Currently, NYSBBA resolutions are filtered through resolutions and DEI committees, which issue recommendations that influence the vote before member school boards have a say. This process pressures boards to align with the committees recommendations rather than allowing an impartial decision by the full membership. A direct vote ensures that NYSSBA positions reflect the will of the members, preserving democratic representation and allowing all resolutions to be considered on their merits. 

EXPLANATION OF THE RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE

The Committee believed strongly that review of proposed resolutions offers important information and support to voting delegates. The Committee noted that regardless of the positions or perspectives of any committee review, all proposed resolutions can be voted on by the membership, giving each proposal a fair opportunity to be considered. Lastly, the Committee noted that it is commonplace for school board work to be supported by committees. 

DEI Committee Review: Oppose

REBUTTAL Submitted by the Massapequa School Board 

The Resolutions Committee’s response to this amendment demonstrates exactly why change is needed. The Committee is, in effect, opining on a bylaw that governs its own authority—a clear conflict of interest. The purpose of this amendment is not to eliminate information or background for delegates, but to ensure neutrality. Right now, committee “recommendations” are presented in a way that heavily influences the vote before member boards have a chance to decide for themselves. This process tilts the scale rather than providing a level playing field. The Committee argues that “all proposed resolutions can be voted on by the membership.” That is technically true, but in practice the committee’s endorsement or opposition carries undue weight, pressuring boards to conform rather than evaluate resolutions on their own merits.

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PROPOSED BYLAW AMENDMENT 3 (Not recommended by Resolutions Committee)

Submitted by the Locust Valley School Board (7/17/25) 

Article 6, Board of Directors, shall be amended to include the following: 

The Board of Directors, or its designee, shall provide a summary report by email to all members at least every quarter of the year, or at minimum four times per year. In addition to this standard quarterly cadence, The Board of Directors will distribute individual news announcements on a case by case basis in which members should be made aware of changes in status, and other timely successes, challenges or updates related to current / specific lobbying and advocacy activities on adopted positions. In efforts to deepen transparency, educate and inform, this report shall detail any lobbying or advocacy activities undertaken by NYSSBA in support of official positions previously adopted by the membership, including updates on legislative efforts, meetings with officials, public statements, or other relevant actions since the previous report. This report shall also include suggestions for "grassroots" advocacy by membership to assist NYSSBA in its advancement of adopted positions. 

RATIONALE 

NYSSBA's advocacy efforts are a vital part of its mission, particularly in representing the positions adopted by member districts at the Annual Business Meeting. While membership currently receives "Advocacy Update" emails, there is no formal mechanism ensuring regular communication to the membership about how these positions are being advanced. This amendment enhances transparency and accountability by requiring a standardized method and cadence of consistent updates on lobbying and advocacy activities related to adopted positions. It ensures that member boards remain informed about the organization's efforts on their behalf, strengthens trust in NYSSBA's leadership, and allows districts to better align their local efforts with statewide advocacy. Providing timely, routine updates will also help members evaluate the effectiveness of NYSSBA's actions and stay engaged in the policy process. 

EXPLANATION OF THE RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE 

Very similar to proposed bylaw amendment number one, the Committee felt that there is not a clear need that is not currently being addressed. In general, while noting the slight difference from proposed bylaw amendment number one, the committee felt that the quality, quantity and frequency of updates and communications meets the needs of membership. The committee further felt that too many emails could instead have a negative effect, leading to members ignoring important information. In addition, the Committee noted that members are welcome to reach out directly to their respective Area Director if they need additional information or support, and that Area Directors are elected by their Area in part for that purpose. Lastly, the committee felt that this proposal attempts to address something that is more operational and process-oriented in nature than what the association’s bylaws should cover. 

DEI Committee Review: Neutral 

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PROPOSED RESOLUTION 13 (Recommended by Resolutions Committee)

Submitted by the Sullivan West, Carle Place, Cold Spring Harbor, Hicksville, Locust Valley, Massapequa, Mohonasen, Oyster Bay-East Norwich, and Plainedge School Boards (6/23/25) 

RESOLVED, that the New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA) shall advocate to the New York State Education Department, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and federal legislators for: 1. The reinstatement of whole milk as an allowable option in school breakfast and lunch programs, in addition to existing low-fat offerings; 2. The recognition of updated nutritional science supporting the safety and benefits of whole milk in the diets of children and adolescents; 

RATIONALE 

Emerging nutritional science has shown that whole milk contains essential nutrients and healthy fats that are beneficial for growing children, including calcium, vitamin D, potassium, and high-quality protein, which support bone health, brain development, and overall growth. Restricting schools to serve only reduced-fat milk options has negatively impacted student milk consumption, with data from the National Dairy Council and USDA indicating that overall milk consumption in schools has declined since the whole milk ban, contributing to reduced intake of key nutrients. Allowing the return of whole milk would also support local and regional dairy farmers, particularly in New York State—one of the nation’s leading dairy-producing states—thereby aligning with agricultural sustainability and economic goals. 

DEI Committee Review: Neutral 

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PROPOSED RESOLUTION 14 (Recommended by Resolutions Committee)

Submitted by the Sullivan West, Carle Place, Cold Spring Harbor, Hicksville, Locust Valley, Massapequa, Mohonasen, Patchogue-Medford, and Plainedge School Boards (6/23/25) 

RESOLVED, that the New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA) shall advocate for Amendments to New York State Education Department regulations to allow a set amount of daily recess time—up to 30 minutes per day—to count toward required instructional hours for elementary students. 

RATIONALE 

Outdoor recess is not just a break—it is an essential part of learning and development. Recognizing it as instructional time reflects current scientific understanding, supports student health, enhances learning outcomes, and restores local flexibility. School districts should be empowered to design whole-child-centered schedules that meet both academic and developmental needs. schools across New York face increasing demands on classroom schedules and instructional time, and recognizing outdoor recess as educational minutes would encourage schools to prioritize the whole-child approach without sacrificing compliance with mandated instructional time. Organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the World Health Organization recommend that all children receive at least 20–60 minutes of daily physical activity, including unstructured play, for optimal health and academic performance. 

DEI Committee Review: Neutral

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PROPOSED RESOLUTION 15 (Recommended by Resolutions Committee)

Submitted by the Sullivan West, Carle Place, Cold Spring Harbor, Hicksville, Locust Valley, Massapequa, Mohonasen, Oyster Bay-East Norwich, and Plainedge School Board 6/23/25) 

RESOLVED, the New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA) shall advocate for the following policy changes: Substantial increases in state reimbursement rates for out-of-district special education placements to reflect true and current costs, including transportation and related services by way of Reform of the Excess Cost Aid formula to ensure more equitable and timely distribution of funding, particularly to districts facing a high proportion of costly mandated placements relative to total enrollment. 

RATIONALE 

Students with complex and high-needs disabilities often require specialized instruction, therapeutic interventions, and clinical services that can only be provided by private, state-approved or out-of-district programs. Out of-district placements—while necessary and appropriate—carry significant financial burdens for school districts, including high tuition costs, specialized transportation, and required support services that are only partially reimbursed under current state aid formulas. New York State’s Excess Cost Aid formula fails to fully cover the real, timely costs of these placements, creating long-term structural deficits for districts that are committed to serving every student regardless of need. 

DEI Committee Review: Affirm 

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PROPOSED RESOLUTION 19 (Recommended by Resolutions Committee)

Submitted by the Cold Spring Harbor, Bay Shore, Herricks, Middle Country, and Port Jefferson School Boards (7/14/25) 

RESOLVED, that the New York State School Boards Association supports legislation allowing school districts to receive compensation from the New York Liquidation Bureau for liability insurance claims arising out of claims brought under the Child Victims Act in cases where the insurance company holding the policy became insolvent and its estate was executed by the Liquidation Bureau. 

RATIONALE 

The CVA was enacted to provide recompense to victims of child sexual abuse. While a well-intentioned initiative, an unintended consequence of this law has been the significant financial burden placed on public school districts. It is estimated that one out of every three school districts in New York State has had at least one claim brought against them under the CVA, with the financial toll reaching into the tens of millions of dollars in some school districts. In some of these cases, insurance coverage for CVA claims is nonexistent due to insurance companies having become insolvent. New York State had the foresight to establish the New York Liquidation Bureau to address such instances; unfortunately, the estates of the insurance carriers that covered school districts during the time periods in question have been closed, some for many years. As a result, those districts are left without access to coverage through the Liquidation Bureau. It is important to note that this lack of available insurance remedy does not reflect any negligence on the part of the affected school districts. All did, and will have to prove, their due diligence in maintaining proper liability insurance coverage during the time periods in question. It is through no fault of the school districts that the companies went out of business. Further, the school districts affected by these companies becoming insolvent had no opportunity to file claims with the Liquidation Bureau earlier, as the CVA did not open the window for such claims until 2019. Without access to insurance coverage payouts and/or state remedy, school districts are forced to use operating funds or take out bonds to cover the costs of legal settlements and jury awards. This diverts critical resources away from current and future students, as well as unfairly burdens local taxpayers. 

DEI Committee Review: Neutral 

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PROPOSED RESOLUTION 26 (Not recommended by Resolutions Committee)

Submitted by the Sullivan West, Carle Place, Cold Spring Harbor, Hicksville, Locust Valley, Massapequa, Mohonasen, Oyster Bay-East Norwich, and Plainedge School Boards (6/23/25) 

RESOLVED, that the New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA) shall advocate for legislation that restores the religious exemption to vaccine mandates for school attendance, ensuring that: 1. Families with sincerely held religious beliefs are not excluded from public, private, or parochial education systems; 2. Students are not denied access to vital educational services, including special education, as a result of exercising their religious rights; 3. State policy reflects a balance between public health and individual constitutional freedoms, in alignment with national norms observed by the majority of U.S. states. 

RATIONALE This resolution acknowledges the importance of public health while affirming the fundamental right to religious freedom. New York’s current vaccination policy lacks the flexibility afforded by most other states and places an unnecessary burden on families with religious objections. Restoring the religious exemption would allow for a more inclusive, equitable, and constitutionally sound approach to school health policy. New York is now one of only a small handful of states—alongside Mississippi, West Virginia, California, and Maine—that offers no religious exemption to vaccination requirements, thereby placing it among the most restrictive in the nation on this issue. The absence of a religious exemption undermines parental rights, disrupts continuity in education, and forces families to choose between violating their deeply held beliefs and accessing a constitutionally guaranteed public education. 

EXPLANATION OF THE RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE 

The Committee felt that it was important to not move backwards in upholding longstanding student vaccination requirements, recognizing the role school boards and school leaders have in protecting the health and safety of all students. The Committee further noted that similar proposed resolutions were rejected by delegates during business meetings in 2022, 2023 and 2024. 

DEI Committee Review: No Consensus 

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PROPOSED RESOLUTION 28 (Not recommended by Resolutions Committee)

Submitted by the Massapequa, Carle Place, Cold Spring Harbor, Hicksville, Locust Valley, Mohonasen, Oyster Bay-East Norwich, Plainedge, and Sullivan West School Boards (7/1/25) 

RESOLVED, that the New York State School Boards Association should OPPOSE any policies or regulatory changes to curriculum or standards that does not promote academic excellence, high expectations, and merit-based opportunities for all students. RATIONALE Student achievement has been declining, and our current approach is not producing the results our students need to succeed. The focus must return to strong academics, ensuring that all students are challenged and supported to reach their highest potential. By prioritizing high expectations and academic excellence, we can better prepare students for future success. 

EXPLANATION OF THE RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE 

The Committee felt that this resolution would inadvertently undermine efforts aimed at expanding inclusivity and agreed that the New York State Education Department currently strives to promote academic excellence and high expectations. The Committee disagreed with the presumed premise of this resolution and rationale. 

DEI Committee Review: Oppose 

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PROPOSED RESOLUTION 29 (Not recommended by Resolutions Committee)

Submitted by the Massapequa, Cold Spring Harbor, Hicksville, Mohonasen, Oyster Bay-East Norwich, Plainedge, and Sullivan West School Boards (7/1/25) 

RESOLVED, that the New York State School Boards Association advocate for school districts to be granted home rule authority to strengthen local control and decision-making by elected boards of education. 

RATIONALE 

School districts are governed by elected boards of education and are directly accountable to their local communities, yet they lack the home rule authority granted to municipalities under the New York State Constitution. Granting school districts. 

EXPLANATION OF THE RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE 

The Committee was of the opinion that this resolution was overly broad and that preeminence of local control is appropriate in some instances, but that the state has a specific role and responsibility in other instances. The Committee also believed that this is too large of a change to pursue in response to isolated disagreements with the state. The Committee further noted that delegates have rejected similar resolutions in recent business meetings. 

DEI Committee Review: Oppose 

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PROPOSED RESOLUTION 30 (Not recommended by Resolutions Committee)

Submitted by the Hewlett-Woodmere School Board (7/3/25) 

RESOLVED, that the New York State School Boards Association shall advocate for school board members to be recognized for their service via a locally authorized property tax exemption. 

RATIONALE 

School board members are the backbone of our public education system. This exemption would be aligning school board members with other community volunteers in a similar fashion as Tax Law § 466-a which authorizes the governing body of a county, city, town, village, school district, or fire district, to partially exempt up to 10% of the assessed value of the residence of a volunteer firefighter or ambulance worker. This would reflect the time commitment, responsibility, and civic dedication the role demands, while helping ensure that individuals from all socioeconomic backgrounds can afford to serve. It is time we recognize that public service should not come with personal financial burden. A fair and standardized compensation structure would honor the essential work of school board members and encourage greater participation in this critical democratic process. 

EXPLANATION OF THE RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE 

The Committee did not want create financial incentives to school board service, expressing concern that it could lead to community members running for the wrong reason. While the Committee agreed that it is important to incentivize school board service, it did not feel this was the way to accomplish that goal. Lastly, the Committee noted that not all school board members directly pay property taxes via ownership of real estate, but rather also indirectly via rent and other methods. 

DEI Committee Review: Neutral

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PROPOSED RESOLUTION 31 (Not recommended by Resolutions Committee)

Submitted by the Hewlett-Woodmere School Board (7/3/25) 

RESOLVED, that the New York State School Boards Association supports legislation to eliminate Regents Exam Testing at the high school level in favor of State Final Exams that comply with ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) regulations in 10-11th grade for ELA (1 exam), Math (1 exam), and Science (1 exam). 

RATIONALE 

1. New York is one of only seven states that still require students to pass exams to receive a high school diploma. The other states are Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Texas, Virginia, and Wyoming. 

2. ESSA provided guidance to states to reduce standardized testing when it was introduced by President Obama in 2015. 

EXPLANATION OF THE RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE 

The Committee noted that the State Education Department’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures thoroughly reviewed the value and role of Regents exams. The Commission included school board representation and released a report in 2023 that recommended to eliminate current Regents assessment requirements for earning a high school diploma, while continuing to offer the exams for students who choose to take them. The State Education Department proposed a timeline that would effectuate this change beginning in the 2027-28 school year, which was generally supported by the Board of Regents. The Committee further noted that this resolution was rejected by delegates during business meetings in 2023 and 2024. 

DEI Committee Review: No Consensus 

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PROPOSED RESOLUTION 32 (Not recommended by Resolutions Committee)

Submitted by the Hicksville, East Rockaway, Mohonasen, Oyster Bay- East Norwich, and Plainedge School Boards (7/3/25) 

RESOLVED, that the New York State School Board Association shall advocate for the REMOVAL of all GMOs (genetically modified organisms), BIOENGINEERED FOOD INGREDIENTS, HEAVY METALS (including but not limited to: Cadmium, arsenic and lead) and DANGEROUS CHEMICALS (including but not limited to: glyphosate) from all student served meals to protect our children's health. 

RATIONALE 

There are standards in place for things like calories, sodium, and added sugar; however, many lunches contain genetically modified crops that are banned or restricted in more than 60 countries and have shown increased health risks for our students. Families across New York will soon rely on school breakfast and lunch to nourish their children and student health needs to be prioritized! Invisible ingredients harm the developing bodies and brains of children. Students should have access to healthy, non-harmful lunches that prioritize whole and pure foods free of toxins and chemical burden. The USDA asserts that lunches consumed from schools are nutritious but they do not have regulatory authority to establish or enforce rules on contaminants. The State should set requirements for food service providers ensuring school districts are able to provide clean and nutritious meals. 

EXPLANATION OF THE RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE 

While the Committee agreed on the importance of food quality, they felt this proposal was too outside the scope of NYSSBA’s advocacy. The Committee noted that there were no included definitions for terms such as “GMOs” and “bioengineered,” which would make advocacy near impossible, given there is vast disagreement on those terms. Additionally, the Committee noted the rationale had incorrect information, and appeared to lack a clear scientific background. 

DEI Committee Review: Affirm

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PROPOSED RESOLUTION 33 (Not recommended by Resolutions Committee)

Submitted by the Hicksville, Carle Place, Cold Spring Harbor, Locust Valley, Massapequa, Mohonasen, Oyster Bay-East Norwich, and Plainedge School Boards (7/3/25) 

RESOLVED, that the New York State School Boards Association calls upon the NY State Education Department to advocate for the creation and/or expansion through Title 1 or similar comparable state funding streams specifically for special education students to attend out-of-district summer camps including costs for programs and transportation. NYSSBA should ensure that such programs are inclusive of diverse educational models and providers, including those offering social-emotional learning, life skills, vocational training, and recreational therapy in supportive environments. 

RATIONALE 

Students with disabilities benefit significantly from consistent year-round educational and developmental programming to prevent regression and support academic, social, and emotional growth; and the current structure of Extended School Year (ESY) services does not meet the diverse interests and individualized needs of all special education students, particularly those who would thrive in alternate, specialized summer camp environments outside their home districts. Families of students with disabilities often face significant financial and logistical barriers to accessing inclusive or specialized summer programming, which are essential to maintaining developmental progress made during the academic year. Expanding the use of Title I funds or establishing new special grant mechanisms to support out-of-district, specialized summer programming for students with disabilities would address long-standing gaps in services, enhance student outcomes, and support families in need. 

EXPLANATION OF THE RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE 

The Committee felt that this was unnecessary, as funding currently supports students whose Individualized Education Programs (IEP) requires such services. Additionally, the Committee felt that current oversight of such camps might not be sufficient to meet the standards of public funding. 

DEI Committee Review: Neutral