Report of Regents Higher Education Committee to The Board of Regents

The Higher Education Committee held its scheduled meeting on May 15, 2023. All members were present except Co-Chair Regent Kathleen M. Cashin and Regent James E. Cottrell, who were excused. Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr., Regent Roger Tilles, and Regent Adrian I. Hale also attended the meeting but did not vote on any action.

ACTION ITEMS

Proposed Amendment to Section 80-5.3 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education Relating to Extending the Flexibility for Incidental Teaching [HE (A) 1] - Department staff presented proposed regulatory amendments to the Commissioner’s regulations for adoption as an emergency rule to extend the flexibility for incidental teaching where certified teachers can teach up to 10 classroom hours a week in a subject area not covered by their certificate through the 2023-2024 school year.

The Committee recommends that section 80-5.3 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education be amended, effective May 16, 2023, as an emergency rule upon a finding by the Board of Regents that such action is necessary for the preservation of the general welfare to continue allowing certified teachers to teach up to 10 classroom hours a week in a subject area not covered by their certificate for the 2023-2024 school year to address teacher shortages.  

The motion passed unanimously. 

MATTERS NOT REQUIRING BOARD ACTION

Proposed Amendment of Section 80-5.4 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education Relating to the Employment of Substitute Teachers [HE (D) 1] - Department staff presented proposed regulatory amendments to permit substitute teachers to be employed by a school district or BOCES beyond the 40-day limit during a school year under certain conditions.  

Deputy Commissioner William Murphy reviewed the items on the Consent Agenda.