Parents and teachers at Kellenberg High School in Uniondale are up in arms over a state proposal that they say could have major implications for all Catholic and private schools in New York state.
The state's Education Department is proposing a regulation called the Substantial Equivalent Instruction for Non-Public School Students. Under the regulations, local public school officials would be responsible for making sure that non-public school students in their district are receiving a comparable education.
For example, Uniondale school officials would have oversight of Kellenberg's curriculum.
The Catholic School Administrators Association of New York is appealing the proposed regulations. Kellenberg principal Brother Kenneth Hoagland says any oversight by local districts would be unacceptable and a clear conflict of interest.
"They're showing their success already," says parent Michele Biscotti. "They're successful, why mess with a good thing?"
Hoagland says Kellenberg requires four years of science and math, which he says actually exceeds what the state requires.
Public comments can be submitted on the issue through Sept. 1. The Board of Regents is expected to make a final decision sometime this fall.