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Board weighs whether to remain in New York regionalization process as state amends rules
Summary
Trustees discussed the recently submitted regionalization application and changes by the Board of Regents making participation voluntary; administration said the district may opt out by Jan. 15 while trustees split over waiting for more detail versus immediate opt‑out.
Trustees discussed the district’s submitted regionalization plan and recent Board of Regents revisions during the Dec. 12 meeting, with administration noting a Jan. 15 deadline to formally opt out of participation.
Superintendent Dave summarized the state changes and the submitted materials, saying the recent revisions now make participation voluntary and permit districts to withdraw an application. "We have until January 15 to opt out to formally opt out," he said, explaining the date gives local boards time to decide whether to remain in the regional process.
Trustees split on next steps. Some said staying in preserves flexibility and could uncover efficiency gains if the regional plan yields shared services or transportation advantages; others urged opting out until the state rewrites unclear or legally risky language. Board president stated a preference to opt out, calling the initial rollout "clumsy" and recommending the state revise the plan.
Public commenters echoed caution. Lenny Olnick told the board the plan contains "too many hooks" and urged the district to opt out. Administration noted the district’s submitted application was largely a compilation of state-provided data and that the Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) superintendent would lead regional coordination if the district participates.
No formal opt‑out vote was recorded at the meeting; the board scheduled more time to weigh the decision at future meetings and to seek clarity from the state and BOCES.
