Parent Raises Concerns About State "Regionalization" Plan; Board Promises More Information

Lisa Savinsky, a Sachem resident and longtime district family member, used the public-comment period to urge the Board of Education to provide accurate, non-alarmist information about the New York State regionalization initiative and to involve parents in decisions.

Savinsky told the board she believes the initiative is voluntary and not a "takeover" of local districts, urged the district to make the state's regionalization formula materials available at future meetings, and asked the board to avoid creating panic in the community. She said districts already work with BOCES for programs and noted prior state initiatives (citing Race to the Top) where promised outcomes and funding did not meet local expectations.

Board members and staff responded with clarifications and questions. District staff said the survey component appears to be mandated while participation in specific programs would be voluntary; they acknowledged the state presentation left many questions unanswered, especially about funding and timelines. Board members said they would gather more information, consider community forums where parents could ask questions, and distribute materials once details are verified.

The exchange included concerns about the six-month rollout timeline cited at a state webinar, uncertainty about how BOCES and local superintendents would be involved, and how changes to graduation pathways could be funded. Savinsky said she would attend future meetings and encouraged other parents to participate. The board reiterated that it would not rush a decision and would aim to present clear information to the community before taking any action related to participation in state programs.