School districts unite to challenge New York regionalization plan and opt out

Concerns over the regionalization plan dominated the Mt. Sinai Board of Education meeting on December 18, 2024, as community members expressed frustration over a lack of transparency in the decision-making process. Attendees voiced their discontent, highlighting that the plan was developed with minimal input from local school districts, superintendents, and boards of education.

One board member emphasized the urgency of addressing the proposed regulations before the Board of Regents votes on them, stating, “We want that wording changed to include all of the opt outs.” The board is actively pursuing legal action to halt the regionalization process, indicating that many districts are opting out of the planning phase in response to the proposed changes.

The discussion revealed a growing coalition of districts taking similar actions, with several opting out during their respective meetings. This collective response aims to send a strong message to the Board of Regents and the State Education Department (SED) regarding the dissatisfaction with the current plan.

While the board acknowledged the complexities of the situation, they clarified that the decision-making power lies solely with the Board of Regents and not with the state assembly. The ongoing legal efforts reflect a commitment to ensuring that local voices are heard in the regionalization process, as board members continue to seek clarity and fairness in the regulations that will ultimately impact their schools.