Residents of the Elwood Union Free School District voiced strong concerns during the Board of Education meeting on November 21, 2024, primarily focusing on the New York State Education Department's (NYSED) controversial BOCES Regionalization Initiative. Amy Kern, a local resident, criticized the initiative for being implemented under an emergency rule without a clear definition of the emergency, arguing that it undermines collaboration and gives excessive power to BOCES over local school districts.

Kern highlighted that the initiative could drastically alter the governance of school budgets and operations, stripping local boards of their authority and potentially forcing students into remote learning if transportation to other districts is not available. She urged the board to join nearly 20 other Long Island districts in a lawsuit against the initiative, emphasizing the urgency as the comment period for public feedback was set to expire soon.

Another resident, Andre Birknell, echoed Kern's sentiments, questioning the clarity of communication from district leadership regarding the initiative. He sought clarification on the differing viewpoints between the board and Superintendent Dr. Steele, who had issued an informational letter that some residents felt did not adequately oppose the initiative.

In response, board members reassured attendees that they were preparing a letter of opposition to the initiative, emphasizing the importance of maintaining local control over educational decisions. The board's commitment to addressing residents' concerns reflects a growing unease about state-level policies that could significantly impact the district's autonomy and the quality of education provided to students.

As the meeting progressed, the board also received updates on academic performance metrics, including the K-8 I Ready data, which assesses student performance in alignment with state standards. However, the primary focus remained on the implications of the regionalization initiative, with residents and board members alike recognizing the need for a unified response to protect the district's interests.