NYS Regionalization Plan

October 24, 2024

October 30 Update: Video from the 10/29/24 BOE Meeting explaining the plan and the District's position on it can be found above.

NYS Regionalization Letter English
NYS Regionalization Letter Spanish
Opposition to Regionalization Letter
Coalition of NY School Board Members Opposition Letter
NYS Regionalization Legal Memo
LI Herald Story on LVCSD Press Conference Regarding Regionalization

We are writing to you today to share an important development that affects the future of our school district. Recently, the New York State Education Department (NYSED) introduced a Regionalization Plan that has the potential to significantly alter the structure and identity of our district. This was submitted as an Emergency Regulation in the NY State Register on September 25, 2024.

In response, we have drafted a letter of concern and opposition [LINKED HERE], which has been signed and sent by each member of our Board of Education. This letter has been sent directly to the Commissioner of Education, expressing our deep reservations regarding the plan.

We will also be presenting on this topic at the upcoming Board of Education Meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 29, at 7:30pm.

What is the Regionalization Plan?

Regionalization would fundamentally change how our school district operates. The plan forces school districts to engage in discussions about pooling resources and consolidations. It requires districts to conform to a “one-size-fits-all” approach with their BOCES component districts, without providing an option to opt out. This plan could lead to decisions for our district without input from the very people it affects most: you, the community members. Some areas of concern include:

  • The requirement to submit extensive data to the state by our business officials.

  • Power being granted to the BOCES superintendent over our district superintendent and BOE.

  • The requirement to accept students from outside districts into our classrooms and programs at the will of the state.

  • Lack of transparency into the details of this program, financial impacts and governance.

How you can support our district’s opposition:

We believe that maintaining local control over our schools is crucial to preserving the quality of education that our students deserve. The emergency regulation is open for public comment through Nov. 24. We encourage you to write directly and voice your opinion during the open comment period to NYSED. You can also contact the Commissioner of Education and the Governor of New York State directly. Below, you will find their contact information.

Together, we can make a difference in the future of our schools. Thank you for your unwavering support, and I am confident that by standing united, we can protect the integrity of our community.

Sincerely,

The Locust Valley Central School District Board of Education

Letters of Opposition to the NY State Proposed Emergency Regulation must be sent to:

David Frank - Assistant Commissioner
Email: REGCOMMENTS@nysed.gov

Letters of Opposition can also be sent to:

Dr. Betty A. Rosa - Commissioner
Email: commissioner@nysed.gov

Kathy Hochul - Governor of New York State
Email: https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form

Additional Information and details from NYSED can be found below: