Bill > S04434

This bill authorizes boards of education in union free and central school districts located entirely or partially within Orange County to establish school election wards, which are geographical divisions within a school district used to elect individual school board trustees or members. The bill requires that such ward systems be implemented through a mandatory referendum process involving multiple public hearings and voter approval. Under this legislation, districts can create between three to nine wards for union free school districts and five, seven, or nine wards for central school districts, with one trustee or member elected from each ward by local voters. The bill mandates that ward boundaries must be contiguous, contain approximately equal populations, align with school attendance zones, and consider geographic and community interests. The resolution establishing wards must include an assessment of potential historic discrimination and ensure no disenfranchisement occurs. Each ward election will use a plurality voting system, and the initial implementation would involve staggered three-, four-, or five-year terms to ensure continuity. The bill also provides a mechanism for districts to abolish the ward system and return to at-large voting through a similar referendum process. Importantly, this legislation applies specifically to school districts in Orange County and gives local school boards flexibility in designing their electoral representation.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4434