SCOPE Brings Long Island Education Leaders Together for 41st Annual Dinner
New York State Education Commissioner Dr. Betty Rosa spoke about the importance of providing students with opportunities to learn, grow and succeed.
Photos courtesy of SCOPE Education Services
By Williston Post Staff
SCOPE Education Services welcomed school superintendents, board of education members and other district leaders from across Long Island to its 41st Annual Dinner Meeting on Aug. 11 at the Bourne Mansion in Oakdale.
The annual gathering offered attendees an opportunity to network, exchange ideas and connect with education leaders from throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties.
George L. Duffy, executive director of SCOPE Education Services, opened the program and announced that he will retire in January 2027 after 20 years of service to the organization.
Dr. John Stimmel, currently SCOPE’s deputy director, will succeed Duffy as executive director at the beginning of 2027. Stimmel previously served as an assistant principal in the Three Village Central School District, a principal in Riverhead and a principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent in Sayville.
Duffy also recognized newly appointed superintendents and board of education members before introducing Robert Vecchio, executive director of the Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association.
Dr. Charles Dedrick, executive director of the New York State Council of School Superintendents, encouraged Long Island’s education leaders to continue placing the needs of students at the center of their work.
Dr. Kenneth Bossert, president of SCOPE, shared the quote, “The race for excellence has no finish line,” emphasizing the responsibility of educators to continually strive for the best outcomes for their students and communities.
The Honorable Felicia Thomas-Williams, Long Island’s representative on the New York State Board of Regents, praised SCOPE’s partnership with Long Island schools and thanked education leaders for their commitment to improving students’ lives.
New York State Education Commissioner and President of the University of the State of New York Dr. Betty Rosa closed the program by recognizing the work taking place in schools across the region. She highlighted SCOPE’s continued commitment to providing students with opportunities to learn, grow and succeed and commended the educators, administrators and staff members who work each day to support students and strengthen their school communities.
Photo captions
Photo 1: The Honorable Felicia Thomas-Williams, Long Island’s representative on the New York State Board of Regents, commended the partnership between SCOPE and Long Island school districts.
Photo 2: SCOPE Deputy Director Dr. John Stimmel welcomed guests to the annual event. Stimmel will become the organization’s executive director in January 2027.
Photo 3: Board of education members and school district administrators from across Long Island gathered for SCOPE Education Services’ 41st Annual Dinner Meeting at the Bourne Mansion on Aug. 11.
Photo 4: SCOPE Executive Director George L. Duffy welcomed educators and board members and announced that he will retire in January 2027 after 20 years of service to the organization.
