Lawmakers dissatisfied with the rollout of the Common Core plan to "shake up" the State Education Department. Speculation is mounting that some members of the Board of Regents could lose their seats.
During a joint session next Tuesday, the state legislature will take up the reappointment of four of the 17 members of the Regents. Senator Tim Kennedy says he and several other members of the Democratic conference will oppose electing the incumbents to another five-year term.
"The current Board of Regents has presided over the flawed implementation of the Common Core and they've remained unresponsive to the needs of the students, parents and educators," Kennedy told WBFO News.
"We're anxious for new members and we want them to bring fresh perspective to the challenges that we're facing in the classroom."
The Regents oversee all educational activities across New York, including the appointment of the state Education Commissioner.
Kennedy says more than 20 candidates have been interviewed for the four open seats.
"So surely we can find new strong members of the Board of Regents, members who will stand up for our students and help improve our schools. Many of the candidates expressed interest in making serious changes at the state Education Department and have demonstrated serious credentials and provide fresh perspective," Kennedy said.
Chancellor Emeritus Robert Bennett, who is not up for reappointment this year, declined to comment on the upcoming vote.