New Jersey Assembly Bill A4253

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/13/22
• Refer: 6/13/22

Caption

Requires membership of boards of trustees of State colleges and universities and county colleges to include two college employees.

Impact

The passage of A4253 is expected to transform the dynamics of college governance by ensuring that employee voices are included in board activities. The bill introduces a structured way for employees to have a say in discussions that affect their working conditions and the overall educational environment. The employee members will serve staggered terms of two years, fostering continuity while also allowing for fresh perspectives to enter the boards over time. However, these members will not participate in discussions concerning their own employment matters, which maintains a level of separation to avoid conflicts of interest.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4253 seeks to amend the governance structure of State colleges and universities, as well as county colleges in New Jersey. The bill mandates that the boards of trustees for these institutions include two members who are employees of the college or university. These employee members will be appointed by the Governor from a list of candidates put forth by labor organizations representing the employees. This inclusion aims to enhance the representation of college staff on governing boards, thus providing direct employee input into decision-making processes regarding institutional policies.

Contention

Debate surrounding A4253 may arise regarding the balance of power on the boards of trustees. Supporters argue that this bill is a significant step towards inclusivity and responsiveness within college governance. Meanwhile, critics could express concerns that increasing employee representation might complicate decision-making or lead to conflicts of interest, especially in matters affecting compensation and faculty contracts. Additionally, creating a more collaborative governing environment could lead to tensions between employee needs and board priorities, especially if financial constraints are at play.