Suffolk Reporter

Senator Mario R. Mattera, representing the 2nd Senate District, recently joined forces with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Senator Jack Martins of the 7th Senate District, along with other members of the Long Island Senate Republican Conference. They were accompanied by local elected officials, superintendents, and a coalition of New York State School Board members to express their opposition to a proposed plan by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and Board of Regents. The plan suggests state-mandated regionalization for school districts.

During a press conference held at the Nassau County Executive Building in Mineola, attendees voiced concerns about how this proposal could affect educational quality and local control over school resources. Senator Mattera emphasized his stance against what he called NYSED's "overreach," stating that it threatens local autonomy by potentially reallocating taxpayer funds away from community schools.

Senator Martins highlighted the success of Long Island schools under local governance, asserting that such institutions are vital to community identity and economic stability. He expressed opposition to any forced regionalization efforts.

The emergency rule-making initiative was introduced by NYSED on September 25, 2024. It calls for supervisory school districts across New York State—excluding major urban areas like New York City—to create plans for sharing resources among different districts. Critics argue this could unfairly distribute property tax revenues meant for individual districts.

Local control has been a longstanding feature of New York's education system, but according to those present at the press conference, this proposal risks undermining that tradition. They argue that decisions should remain in the hands of locally elected boards who understand their communities' needs best.

Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick echoed these sentiments by criticizing Albany's approach as top-down mandates eroding local authority. Similarly, Senator Steven Rhoads voiced concern over losing community input into budgetary decisions and educational opportunities.

Other senators like Dean Murray described the mandate as an attempt to bypass local governance structures altogether. Alexis Weik likened it to problematic policies imposed without clear guidelines or benefits.

In response to these developments, Senator Mattera has cosponsored legislation alongside Senator Martins named the Our Schools, Our Rules Act. This legislative measure seeks to prevent state-mandated regionalization plans while ensuring that school districts retain decision-making powers regarding resource allocation and collaboration initiatives.

The bill prohibits enforced sharing of resources between districts unless voluntarily agreed upon by all parties involved. It aims at maintaining Long Island's tradition of high educational standards through locally controlled governance systems until further clarity is provided on NYSED’s intentions concerning regionalization proposals.