Rick's Blog

Future UWF Board of Trustees must be Florida resident or alum

Florida’s House Education & Employment Committee passed an amended HB 1321, which Rep. Michelle Salzman filed to increase transparency and accountability in the state’s higher education system.

Amendment: The Committee’s substitute bill included this provision:

Effective January 6, 2027, an appointed member of the Board of Governors (BOG) or a University Board of Trustee (UBOT) must be a United States citizen and either a Florida resident or, for the BOG, a graduate of a state university or, for a UBOT, a graduate of the state university.

On or after January 6, 2027, a position on the BOG or a UBOT that is held by a person who does not meet the residency requirements will be deemed vacant.


PRESIDENTIAL SEARCHES

A key provision repeals public records exemptions for presidential searches at state universities and colleges.  Since education represents Florida’s second-largest budget expenditure, she argued these important decisions should be transparent to taxpayers.

Since education represents Florida’s second-largest budget expenditure, she argued these important decisions should be transparent to taxpayers.

OTHER ELEMENTS

The bill also addresses student concerns by requiring all courses to post syllabi before registration, helping students make informed decisions without having to drop or add classes after the term begins.

Term limits form another significant component: Board of Governors members will serve seven-year terms, State Board of Education members four years, and university trustees five years, all limited to two terms. Additionally, board chairs can only serve in that position for two years and for one term only.

To prevent leadership gaps, the legislation allows board members to continue serving until replacements are appointed.


 

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