Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed NYSUT-supported legislation mandating the inclusion of student representatives on the boards of education for every Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) and school district with high school grades. The legislation passed with broad support, including a 46-13 vote in the Senate and a unanimous 145-0 in the Assembly. Although student board members will not have voting rights or access to executive sessions, their participation ensures student perspectives are represented in decision-making processes.