Regionalization at Bemus Point Central School

We have been concentrating this year on the recent regionalization initiative from the New York State Education Department (NYSED). Regionalization is defined as the collaborative model for creating equitable educational opportunities for all students that leverages the state’s existing capabilities, talent, and infrastructure. NYSED has asked that every school district in the state engage in regionalization planning so that schools and districts may identify, explore, and pursue a variety of possible solutions to the academic and operational challenges they face by tapping into the full span of resources that already exist in their larger region. 

The planning process actually started last year. Representatives from all school districts met together and worked to identify services we already share with one another. These include special education programs, cafeteria services, sports, transportation runs, etc. These meetings also allowed us to determine the programs and extracurricular activities that we are willing to share with the region. Additionally, it’s made us aware of the other special programs and activities occurring in other districts that could benefit our students. The regionalization planning has allowed all of us to start a conversation about what we can do to provide more opportunities for students and how we can work together to better control the costs necessary to provide a quality education. 

The Bemus Point Board of Education has determined to pursue the following regional initiatives: 

1. Districts will work to align bell schedules where possible to create regional options in order to expand access to distance learning opportunities.

2. Districts will commit to expanding course access and equity through the development of more regionalized course offerings, specifically by leveraging distance learning and other shared delivery models.

3. Districts will align Superintendent Conference Days to support the development of high-quality, shared professional development opportunities and asset sharing.

4. Districts will create shared career and college exploration experiences, led collaboratively by school counselors.

5. Districts will develop shared transportation services across the region to improve efficiency, address staffing shortages, and better meet the needs of students. 

6. Districts will aim to increase the availability of social-emotional learning (SEL), mental health, and family support services across the region as a means of addressing chronic absenteeism and supporting overall student well-being. 

7. Districts will work to expand student access to out-of-school learning opportunities and internships by sharing community partnerships across the region. 

The planning for these initiatives will occur during the current school year and throughout the 2026-2027 school year. Implementation of the regional initiatives will happen at the start of the 2027-28 school year.