SCOPE Marks 41st Annual Dinner Meeting in Oakdale

SCOPE Education Services welcomed school superintendents, school board members and education officials from across Long Island for its 41st Annual Dinner Meeting at the Bourne Mansion in Oakdale.

The event provided district representatives an opportunity to meet with education leaders and discuss issues affecting Long Island schools.

SCOPE Executive Director George L. Duffy opened the program and announced that he will retire in January 2027 after 20 years with the organization.

Dr. John Stimmel, SCOPE’s current deputy director, will succeed Duffy as executive director at the beginning of 2027. Stimmel previously served as an assistant principal in the Three Village School District and as a principal in Riverhead. He later served as principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent in the Sayville School District.

Duffy also recognized newly appointed superintendents and school board members attending the dinner.

Robert Vecchio, executive director of the Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association, addressed attendees, followed by Dr. Charles Dedrick, executive director of the New York State Council of School Superintendents. Dedrick spoke about the responsibility of school leaders to prioritize students in their work.

SCOPE President Dr. Kenneth Bossert discussed the importance of educators and school officials continuing to pursue improvements in their districts and communities.

Felicia Thomas-Williams, Long Island’s representative on the New York State Board of Regents, spoke about SCOPE’s involvement with Long Island schools and recognized administrators and board members for their work.

New York State Education Commissioner and University of the State of New York President Dr. Betty Rosa closed the program.

Rosa discussed the work being done in schools across the region and SCOPE’s role in providing educational opportunities. She also recognized educators, administrators and staff members for their work supporting students and strengthening school communities.