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Sewanhaka board denies parent's request for early placement at Nassau BOCES arts program
Summary
The board voted to deny a March 18 request that an incoming ninth grader attend the Nassau BOCES Long Island High School for the Arts for 2026–27; a parent used public comment to ask for a dual‑enrollment option, but trustees said CTE placements are generally for 11th–12th graders and cited policy and cost constraints.
During the legal portion of the March 24 meeting the Sewanhaka Central High School District board moved, seconded and approved a resolution denying a March 18, 2026 request that an incoming ninth grader (identified in the record as RG) attend the Nassau BOCES Long Island High School for the Arts during the 2026–27 school year.
The motion to deny was moved by Miss Peltonen and seconded by Miss O’Donahue; the board carried the resolution by voice vote. The transcript records the motion and the board’s approval but does not include a roll‑call tally.
A parent from Elmont used the public‑comment period after the legal agenda to press the district on the same issue, saying the family sought a dual‑enrollment arrangement so the student could access a conservatory‑style four‑year arts education that is not offered at Elmont Memorial High School. "We are requesting a dual enrollment process to be a part of Nassau BOCES and Elmont Memorial High School because Elmont Memorial doesn't offer what she needs," the parent said during public comment.
Board members and staff told the parent that policy and program rules limit CTE placements in this district to later grades. One board member stated that the district's CTE pathway generally serves 11th and 12th graders, and staff noted costs could be a barrier. The parent was told an appeal is an option and that the board could be provided additional draft language if members choose to revisit related policy requirements.
The action in executive session was read into the public record as a "walk‑in" item and adopted that evening. The board did not adopt any exception for the individual request at this meeting.
