Long Island’s public school educational leaders attended SCOPE Education Services’ 40th Annual Dinner Meeting for school superintendents and newly elected Board of Education trustees.
This event is considered a valuable and informative networking opportunity for new and returning superintendents and board of education trustees. The dinner was held at the Bourne Mansion.
SCOPE provides a broad array of school district services, including before- and after-school childcare, prekindergarten and school enrichment programs, and professional development. Among the 124 school districts on Long Island, 121 school districts are SCOPE members.
During his introductory remarks, SCOPE Executive Director George Duffy introduced 36 newly installed school board members and six newly appointed superintendents and wished them well in their new positions. In addition to stressing the importance of SCOPE’s programs and services in maintaining a quality of education on Long Island, Mr. Duffy encouraged educational leaders to make “kindness” a central theme of the 2025-2026 school year
“Kindness is a strength, not a soft skill,” Mr. Duffy explained. “It builds safety, belonging and trust – the very foundation of learning and human development.”
Mr. Duffy honored the late Dr. Charles Rudiger, a former SCOPE board member from 1973-2011. Dr. Rudiger was also a former Huntington School District superintendent and was responsible for setting up SCOPE’s retirement plan. Mr. Duffy presented Dr. Rudiger’s wife, Lucille Rudiger, and his daughter, Kristine Rudiger, with the Challenge Coin in commemoration of his contributions to the educational field and his commitment to excellence.
Robert Vecchio, Executive Director of Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association, encouraged members to focus on students, as well as governance and finding consensus in an educational climate that is under attack. “Set short-term and long-term goals and focus on the big picture,” Mr. Vecchio said. “Focus on your ‘why.’ Keep it focused on the kids, and commit yourselves to excellence and building consensus.”
New York State Council of School Superintendents Executive Director Dr. Charles Dedrick noted that NYSCOSS and SCOPE are “compatible partners” in educating children in New York State. “Together, we work for the good of New York State students,” Dedrick said.
SCOPE Board of Directors president Dr. Lorna R. Lewis was also applauded for her educational contributions. She asked the question, “What are you going to do to make moments in your districts precious moments?” She also encouraged districts to focus on students and to move their agendas forward to prepare the Class of 2038, which begins kindergarten this year.
New York State Regent Felicia Thomas-Williams told attendees that “every student has a spark worth igniting.” She explained that her mission is for every student, despite zip code, to receive the education they need to thrive and to provide an equitable, high-quality education for all students.
“Long Island can lead the way,” Thomas-Williams said. “We need to think about ways to collect, collaborate and innovate.”