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Lynbrook board declines regionalization convening and shifts focus to Foundation Aid advocacy
Summary
After discussion of a recently amended Board of Regents regulation, the Lynbrook board expressed consensus to opt out of state-led regional convenings and to pursue advocacy for changes to the state Foundation Aid formula; the board directed staff to prepare a formal resolution for the January meeting.
The Lynbrook Union Free School District Board of Education on Dec. 11 signaled a firm decision not to participate in state regionalization convenings and to concentrate on advocacy for changes to the state’s Foundation Aid funding formula.
Superintendent Dr. Lynch told trustees that the Board of Regents amended its regulation the prior day, replacing the language “compel” with “request” and clarifying that participation in convenings is voluntary. Trustees nevertheless voiced concern about the regulation’s original rollout, the lack of clear parameters, and the potential for unintended consequences if the district submitted information without knowing how the state would use it.
Multiple trustees — including Mr. Paleshki and Mr. Murray — said they do not want Lynbrook to participate in the convenings until the district has a clearer understanding of obligations and consequences. Dr. Lynch recommended the district pursue legislative advocacy instead, pointing to specific funding- formula issues the district views as more urgent, such as updating the decade-old foundation-aid calculation and refining how English‑language‑learner counts and poverty are measured.
Trustees asked the superintendent to prepare a draft resolution to notify State Education officials of the district’s decision and to place that resolution on the public January agenda. Dr. Lynch said the district has until the commissioner’s January deadline to notify State Education and that a formal, public board resolution would put the decision on the record.
Dr. Lynch urged coordinated advocacy across neighboring districts in the “Southwest Quad,” noting visits by state legislators to district schools and recommending joint lobbying for foundation‑aid formula reforms and relief from unfunded mandates. Public comment from PTA governance member Ivy Riley supported the board’s caution and underscored existing PTA-led legislative advocacy channels.
No formal vote to adopt a resolution occurred on Dec. 11; trustees gave direction that administration should prepare a formal resolution and advocacy plan for consideration at the January meeting.
