Bill > S00831

This bill requires each school district's board of education or board of trustees to establish a policy allowing for the posthumous awarding of high school diplomas to students who have died after completing the eleventh grade and were expected to enter the twelfth grade the following school year. The policy must outline specific procedures for conferring the diploma, including coordination with the deceased student's parents or guardians regarding the diploma presentation, such as the location, proxy recipient, and potential family attendance at graduation. The bill mandates that districts provide annual written notice to students and parents about this policy. Importantly, the legislation clarifies that districts are not required to issue the diploma before the student's original graduation date or compel the family to attend graduation ceremonies. Additionally, these posthumous diplomas will not be counted toward student graduation statistics or used in federal or state accountability data. The bill will take effect 60 days after becoming law, providing school districts time to develop and implement the required policies.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S831