'Misguided' State Bill To Reduce HS Suspensions: One Nassau Board Of Education

MASSAPEQUA, NY — The Massapequa Board of Education is not happy about one particular piece of legislation.

The "Judith Kaye School Solutions not Suspensions Act," takes a softer stance as it relates to school climate and codes of conduct.

But the school board wrote in a letter Tuesday to state lawmakers that the "legislation is not only misguided, but it will also severely undermine our school administrators' ability to deal with very disruptive students."

The legislation has languished for at least three years.

Suspensions would be reduced for students from a maximum of 180 days to more than 20 school days, "which is not enough of a consequence for the more severe and malicious acts that occur on school campuses," the Board wrote.

Those students, the Board added, "forfeited their privilege to attend school with the rule-abiding students."

In addition, the Massapequa Board members compared this bill to the "failed New York State bail reform."

As part of the proposed legislation, schools are asked to create codes of conduct and inform parents before a suspension. While Massapequa said that's already been "sound practice" for years.

The New York Civil Liberties Union backs the legislation, saying in part, "Unfortunately, school districts across New York State rely heavily on exclusionary punishment and police involvement to control student behavior."

The five members of the Board, who signed the letter, led by President Kelly Wachter, "implore" legislators to "reject this bill as it will harm New York students."