During a recent government meeting, board members emphasized the paramount importance of safety in schools, particularly in light of ongoing discussions surrounding regionalization in education. Dr. Scanlon reported on a virtual meeting held with representatives from the state education department, which aimed to clarify the intentions behind a recent survey distributed to school districts.

The survey, designed to assess the strengths and needs of various districts, has sparked considerable concern and speculation within communities, particularly due to the use of the term \"compel\" in the state’s directive. Dr. Scanlon reassured attendees that there is no current plan from the state to mandate mergers between school districts. He clarified that any such action would require significant regulatory changes, necessitating approval from both the Board of Education and local taxpayers.

The board has already completed the survey, with contributions from Laura Pimentel, the district's Chief Information Officer, who attended a workshop with BOCES to ensure the accuracy and transparency of the data submitted. This proactive approach aims to alleviate community fears and provide a clearer understanding of the state’s regionalization efforts.