Assemblyman Dave McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick) today criticized the process of electing new members to the New York State Board of Regents. The vote for the three open seats is by simple majority rule and involves a joint session with both houses of the Legislature voting at the same time. The Legislature elected Elizabeth Hakanson over John Sheffield, who has taught at-risk youth for 30 years, for the 5th Judicial District Syracuse-area seat.

“I am distraught at how our state elects members to the Board of Regents,” McDonough said. “The simple majority vote places the power in the hands of Assembly Majority, and that becomes a game of irresponsible cronyism which affects our students’ and teachers’ futures. I supported John Sheffield because I believe he possesses the perspective we need to shake up education in New York. His interview was exemplary and I can tell that his first priority is our children’s future.”

Luis O. Reyes, a Manhattan bureaucrat, was elected to fill the at-large seat over Manuel "Manny" Felouzis, who has taught at BOCES on Long Island for over 30 years.

“I am disappointed that our conference’s selection, Manuel Felouzis, was not elected to the Board of Regents,” McDonough said. “Once again we see a New York City bureaucrat put in charge of our schools’ futures and that is irresponsible. Mr. Felouzis is a strong proponent of multiple pathways to education, something I have been fighting for recently, and I thought he was the right choice to create our state’s education policy.”

McDonough sponsors legislation that would require a 2/3 supermajority of legislators to elected regents and would require candidates to be announced at least 21 days before the elections, among other provisions.