CAS Position Statement Opposing NYSED Emergency Rulemaking on BOCES Regionalization

Below are the main concerns about the regionalization plan that CAS will be expressing to the NYSED: 

The regionalization plan is being implemented by NYSED under an “emergency declaration.” However, the emergency declaration is dubious in nature as there have been months of internal discussions and advance notice to BOCES superintendents. This undermines the assertion that there isn’t ample time for a thorough, inclusive process. Furthermore, the NYSED plan is offered and presented based on limited empirical data. The emergency declaration appears to be more intended to exclude public debate, discussion, and crucial input from Boards of Education, school administrators, teachers, and the broader community. The absence of meaningful public engagement and the exclusion of local Boards of Education, the primary decision-making bodies, is unacceptable. This undermines transparency and accountability.

The implementation of the NYSED regionalization plan threatens local school district autonomy, and can potentially lead to reduced educational opportunities, job losses, and even school consolidation. Although NYSED has stated that regionalization is not intended to lead to consolidation the exclusion of the Big Five districts raises doubts as to the veracity of this assertion.

The proposed regionalization model would confer upon regional BOCES an unprecedented level of oversight authority, thereby diminishing local control and vesting decision-making power in unelected Boards of Education. Furthermore, the NYSED plan lacks transparency and accountability while failing to clarify the approval process, decision-making criteria, and appeal mechanisms. This ambiguity raises serious concerns about the fairness and democratic nature of the process.

CAS Members are Called to Action:

Regionalization is a significant decision with far-reaching consequences that should not be rushed or imposed without the full consent of all affected stakeholders. CAS hereby requests that each of its local affiliates consider working closely with their teacher units to write to NYSED asking them to reconsider this emergency rule and commit to a transparent, inclusive process that prioritizes the voices of local communities.