Cuomo to delay school elections
until at least June 1

By Eric D. Randall
Editor-in-Chief

Today Gov. Andrew Cuomo plans to issue an executive order that will postpone school board elections until "at least June 1 … subject to further directives," On Board Extra has learned.

Individuals familiar with a draft text of the order say it does not specify how or where voting will be conducted.

"We will be seeking clarification on those points," said NYSSBA Executive Director Robert Schneider.  "In addition, by the end of the week, we also expect to have more clarity on school funding in the state budget, and we are working aggressively on this front."

School library votes and municipal elections scheduled for April and May are also delayed until at least June 1.

"Every school district and BOCES in the state has been devoting all energy to meeting the challenges of providing continuity of education while students are at home, providing meals for hungry children and setting up child care operations to service the children of health care workers, first responders and others with critical jobs," Schneider said.

Executive Order 202.13 is also expected to clear up a question on whether a school district or BOCES can contract with outside entities or hire individuals other than school staff to provide child care in schools. The governor plans to suspend subdivision (i) of section 414 of the Education Law to the extent necessary to allow the school districts to pay for the cost of such child care services.