A contentious debate is heating up over the New York State Education Department's proposed regionalization plan, which would encourage schools to share resources across districts. At a Jericho School Board meeting Thursday night, residents and board members voiced strong opposition to the idea, which they fear could erode local control over education.

Under the proposal, districts would fill out a "strength and needs" survey, and a plan to share services would be developed.

"We pay a high amount of property taxes," said Jericho parent Lu Wang. "We want our kids to have a better chance at a good education."

Critics argue that regionalization could dilute the quality of education in districts, and impact their ability to make decisions that best serve their students. Earlier in the day, elected officials led a rally in opposition.

Jericho School Superintendent Hank Grishman emphasized that under state law, no changes could be made to the district without the approval of the school board.

"There is no one on staff here who will stand by and let anything happen to our school community," Grishman said defiantly.

However, some board members expressed concerns that, while the plan may be presented as optional, the BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services) superintendent could still compel districts into adopting regionalization initiatives.

“We are going to fight hard," one board member declared. “They’re not going to take a dollar of our money, any of our resources.”

In response to these concerns, a member of the Board of Regents clarified that school districts would only be required to complete the survey, with no further obligation to adopt the regionalization plan. According to the Jericho School superintendent, the Board of Regents is expected to change the language in the regulation at its next meeting in December.