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NYS Regionalization Plan

Posted by Lauren Themis on October 11, 2024 at 3:28pm

Hello members. The Locust Valley School District has taken a strong position against the NY State Emergency Regulation on Regionalization Plan. I would be happy to share our kettter in opposition and discuss with any other boards considering taking action. This will upend our entire educational system as we know it as well as goes against the NY State Constitution. In addition NY State Dept of Ed has granted additional powers to the BOCES district superintendents over our individual districts. Long Island is uniting to oppose these measures. What's going on throughout the rest of the state. 

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  • Laurie Kowalsky October 14, 2024 at 7:41am
    Thank you Lauren. I would like to discuss this with our board as well. It is concerning that the “Big 5” school districts aren’t forced to comply, yet the smaller districts are going to be forced to comply. Do you think this is being brought as an “emergency” regulation because the state is running out of money and is looking to reduce state aid (to the non Big 5) and therefore trying to force us to share resources? That is the gist I am getting from this regulation. Do you think the state is going to give Boces the state aid and then Boces will only give out the state aid if the districts are sharing resources in the regionalization plan? I could see this soon turning into districts having to share administrators, having to accept students from other districts into AP/IB classes etc. taxing our already tight school budgets. There are so many gaps that are not spelled out, it is very concerning. State budget season starts in January? I am thinking there is a fiscal crisis and that’s why it is an “emergency” regulation. Our schools are going to lose state aid and that money will be funneled elsewhere all in the name of “regionalization”. If anyone has additional insight that would be great.
  • Annette Beiner October 12, 2024 at 9:16pm
    For those following Locust Valley just posted their letter in a new thread. Thank you LV for sharing.
  • Annette Beiner October 12, 2024 at 8:47pm
    The regionalization is a sate wide issue of course with the exception of the big 5. Your teachers unions as well as your superintendent and boards have everything to lose. We are actively speaking about this amongst our board and plan to draft a letter as well. Feel free to reach out privately swac@optonline.net perhaps we can all work together to voice our concerns.
  • Lauren Themis October 12, 2024 at 8:39pm
    I can’t add attachments here but if anyone is interested please message or email me at lthemis@locustvalleyschools.org
  • Deborah Weiss October 12, 2024 at 8:26pm
    We are concerned also - please share your letter - I think it’s crucial that every district boe send a letter opposing this emergency action
  • Paul Haggett October 12, 2024 at 5:16pm
    Hi Lauren:
    There is lots of concern over this in the far north of the state as well. I would love to see your letter. I’m sure there will be districts in our region that write letters eventually, but Long Island seems to be out front.
  • Diana Andrade October 12, 2024 at 12:48pm
    Hi Lauren, would love to chat more with you about this.
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