State plan to end Regents‑exam diploma requirement flagged for Port Washington, affecting class of 2028

During the Sept. 17 board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Posi told the board that the New York State Board of Regents approved a plan to move to a single high‑school diploma and to end the requirement that students pass Regents exams to earn a diploma beginning with the class of 2028.

"This would first affect the class of 2028, which is our current juniors," Dr. Posi said. He said the change is not yet final: the state education department is expected to publish regulatory amendments in February, followed by a 60‑day public comment period and final action anticipated in June.

Dr. Posi emphasized that Regents exams "are not going away" and may still be offered or used for endorsements or seals, while the state develops new high‑school assessments to meet federal accountability obligations. He urged caution about implementation details, saying many important questions remain, including how the new assessments will interact with Regents exams, how districts will advise students, and how equitable implementation will be ensured.

The district said it will monitor the regulatory process and keep the board and community informed as guidance is issued. No board action was taken at the Sept. 17 meeting.