Nassau Standard

Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, alongside Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and other Long Island Senate Republicans, has voiced strong opposition to a regionalization plan proposed by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and Board of Regents. The group argues that this plan could undermine local control over school districts by pooling resources, programs, and services.

Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick stated, "Once again, Albany is proposing to push top-down mandates that erode control local residents have over their schools and communities." She emphasized the importance of decisions being made by locally elected boards who understand their community's educational needs.

The sentiment was echoed by Senator Martins, who noted the success of Long Island schools due to local governance. He remarked on the significance of schools in shaping economic, social, and cultural structures on Long Island.

Senator Rhoads criticized the NYSED’s mandate as "vague" and potentially leading to a loss of local budgetary control. He pledged to stand with colleagues and community members against what he sees as an overreach.

Senator Dean Murray expressed concern about Albany circumventing local authority in school districts through this mandate. Senator Mattera also warned against taxpayer money being redirected outside their districts under this plan.

Referring to it as the "Bail Reform of education," Senator Weik argued against what she considers bad policy forced onto communities. Meanwhile, Senator Palumbo stressed the need for any educational changes to protect local autonomy and allow voluntary collaboration between districts.

Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick is co-sponsoring the Our Schools, Our Rules Act. This legislation aims to preserve local decision-making authority by prohibiting state-mandated regionalization plans and ensuring districts are not compelled to share resources or services unless they choose to do so voluntarily.

The act seeks to uphold Long Island’s tradition of high educational standards through locally controlled governance. Until assurances are received from the Governor regarding non-imposition of such plans, efforts will continue in defense of local control over education.