Thursday, October 1, 2026
Long Island’s public school leaders emphasized kindness, equity and student-focused governance at SCOPE Education Services’ 40th Annual Dinner Meeting on Aug. 13 at the Bourne Mansion in Oakdale.
The event brought together superintendents and newly elected school board trustees from across Long Island for networking and recognition. SCOPE Executive Director George Duffy welcomed 36 newly installed board members and six new superintendents, urging them to make “kindness” a central theme for the 2025-26 school year.
“Kindness is a strength, not a soft skill,” Duffy said. “It builds safety, belonging and trust — the very foundation of learning and human development.”
Duffy also honored the late Charles Rudiger, who served as a SCOPE board member from 1973 to 2011 and was a former Huntington School District superintendent. Rudiger was recognized for helping establish SCOPE’s retirement plan. His wife, Lucille Rudiger, and daughter, Kristine Rudiger, accepted the Challenge Coin in his memory.
Robert Vecchio, executive director of the Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association, urged attendees to prioritize students while finding consensus in what he described as an educational climate “under attack.”
“Set short-term and long-term goals and focus on the big picture,” Vecchio said. “Focus on your ‘why.’ Keep it focused on the kids, and commit yourselves to excellence and building consensus.”
Charles Dedrick, executive director of the New York State Council of School Superintendents, added that NYSCOSS and SCOPE are “compatible partners” in advancing education. “Together, we work for the good of New York State students,” he said.
SCOPE Board President Lorna Lewis was recognized for her contributions to education. She challenged school leaders to create meaningful experiences for students.
“What are you going to do to make moments in your districts precious moments?” she asked, encouraging districts to prepare today’s kindergarteners — the Class of 2038 — for success.
New York State Regent Felicia Thomas-Williams called for equity in education, stressing “every student has a spark worth igniting.”
“Long Island can lead the way,” she said. “We need to think about ways to collect, collaborate and innovate.”
SCOPE, which serves 121 of Long Island’s 124 school districts, provides programs including before- and after-school childcare, prekindergarten and enrichment programs, and professional development for educators.
