Lynbrook, East Rockaway school leaders attend SCOPE annual dinner

SCOPE Education Services welcomed school leaders from Lynbrook and East Rockaway to its 41st Annual Dinner Meeting for Superintendents and School Board Members on Aug. 11 at the Bourne Mansion in Oakdale. 

The annual gathering brought together superintendents and Board of Education members for an evening of networking and discussion about public education across the Long Island. 

George L. Duffy, executive director of SCOPE Education Services, welcomed attendees 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 the year. 

Stimmel previously served as an assistant principal in the Three Village School District and a principal in Riverhead. He later held positions as principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent in the Sayville School District. 

During the meeting, Duffy also recognized newly appointed superintendents and school board members. 

Robert Vecchio, executive director of the Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association, and Dr. Charles Dedrick, executive director of the New York State Council of School Superintendents, also addressed the gathering. Dedrick encouraged school leaders to continue putting students’ needs at the center of their work. 

“The race for excellence has no finish line,” SCOPE President Dr. Kenneth Bossert told attendees, emphasizing the importance of educators continuing to strive for the best for their students and communities. 

Felicia Thomas-Williams, Long Island’s representative on the New York State Board of Regents, discussed SCOPE’s involvement with schools and thanked education leaders for their work on behalf of students. 

New York State Education Commissioner and University of the State of New York President Dr. Betty Rosa closed the program by recognizing the work being done in schools across the region. She also highlighted SCOPE’s efforts to provide students with opportunities to learn and grow and commended educators, administrators and staff for their work supporting students and school communities.