Educators weigh in on the intent and process of ‘regionalization’ plans for school districts [Video]

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The idea of urging school districts across the state to think of “regional plans for sharing resources” is emerging from Albany. 

And it is already touching off some controversy from those who fear the loss of local control of the schools in their community even as the state seeks to ease those concerns. 

It surfaced in September at the Board of Regents meeting as members approved the agenda item from the New York State Education Department to have school districts complete surveys on their operations and then BOCES superintendents to quote “develop and implement a regionalization plan every ten years that is designed to improve student opportunities and operational efficiencies through shared resources, leading to 37 regionalization plans in the state.”.

That “regionalization” buzzword runs counter for some to traditional local control by school boards and taxpayers …