New York State Education Department Commissioner's Subject Files

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New York State Education Department Commissioner's Subject Files

Held by the New York State Archives

Overview of the Records

Repository:

New York State Archives

New York State Education Department

Cultural Education Center

Albany, NY 12230

Summary:

The records document the development of education policy, administration of the education department, and the functioning of the Commissioner’s office. The files pertain to a variety of subjects including: budgets; Commissioner's engagements; existing and proposed legislation; Regents meetings; educational policy; school administration; school district organization; State University of New York; and teachers. Other topics include NYC school desegregation, education for disadvantaged and disabled, professional discipline, and testing and assessment. Files include correspondence, memorandums, reports, calendars, speeches, newsletters, and press releases.

Creator:

New York (State). Education Department. Commissioner's Office

Title:

Education Department Commissioner's subject files

Quantity:

876.5 cubic feet

Inclusive Dates:

1942-2011

Series Number:

15080

Administrative History

The office of Commissioner of Education was created in 1904 by the so-called Unification Act (Chapter 40) which established the State Education Department and replaced the Superintendent of Public Instruction and Secretary to the Board of Regents with the Commissioner.

Since its establishment by the Regents in 1913 the Commissioner has also carried the title of President of the University of the State of New York. A 1938 constitutional amendment clarified the relative roles of the Commissioner and the Regents, placing the Regents at the head of the Department and naming the Commissioner as the Department's chief administrative officer who serves at the Regents' pleasure.