November 26, 2024

Dear GNPS Community,

Happy Thanksgiving to all.  Over the last several weeks, you have received a number of correspondences from me and the Board of Education regarding the New York State Education Department’s (NYSED) Regionalization initiative.  The topic of Regionalization has also been widely reported in various forms of media and communications from elected officials throughout our region.

A consistent message received from both the Board of Education and Administration of the Great Neck Public Schools is the insistence that local control is maintained and that any/all initiatives regarding Regionalization be optional (with no penalty).  This is what the Board of Education clearly indicated to the community both in writing and at the public meeting held on November, 13, 2024.

Just before 1 p.m. today, my office received an official communication from the New York State Commissioner of Education, Betty Rosa.  It is attached for your reference.  Within the communication, the Commissioner makes it clear that all aspects of the NYSED Regionalization initiative are, in fact, voluntary, with the decision to participate (or not) up to locally elected school boards.  This authority includes the participation in the planning process (survey response) previously discussed in prior communications.  Based upon all prior communications and public discussions, it is anticipated that the Board will direct the Administration to decline any and all participation in the Regionalization study.  As Superintendent of Schools, I will gladly comply and advise NYSED of such.

We appreciate all of the residents who came forward to express their thoughts, opinions and concerns regarding this NYSED initiative.  You were heard.  Our Board has been heard.  The Administration has been heard.  NYSED has responded, directly. 

Warm Regards,
Kenneth Bossert, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools