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Longwood Central School District Hosts 22nd Annual Regional Legislative Breakfast, Uniting Educators and Policymakers Around Student-Centered Priorities

Group photo of legislators and Board
Longwood Central School District Hosts 22nd Annual Regional Legislative Breakfast, Uniting Educators and Policymakers Around Student-Centered Priorities

More than 300 education leaders, community partners, and state and federal elected officials gathered at the Longwood Central School District for the 22nd Annual Longwood Regional Legislative Breakfast — one of Long Island’s premier education advocacy forums.

Representatives from more than 40 school districts joined policymakers for focused dialogue on the most pressing issues facing public education, from funding stability to the policies shaping students’ futures.

“Each year we convene this regional conversation to model for our students the power of our great Democracy when educational advocates from across our communities unite to stand up for public education,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Lance Lohman. “This forum allows us to speak with one voice in advocating for the stable funding and thoughtful policy support required to provide every child with a high-quality, 21st-century education. We appreciate our partnership with our elected officials as we work together through the challenges and opportunities facing public education today.”

Now in its 22nd year, the Longwood Regional Legislative Breakfast has become a February institution — bringing policymakers and educators together around their shared commitment to students and communities across the region.

The morning program opened with performances by the Longwood Junior High School Chamber Orchestra and Vocal Quartet, setting the tone for a day centered on students. Welcoming remarks followed from Dr. Lohman, New York State Board of Regents member Felicia Thomas-Williams, and Longwood Board of Education President Victoria Molloy and Vice President Daniel Tomaszewski.

The program paused to honor the memory of William K. Miller, a longtime Longwood Board of Education member and former Vice President who served the district for more than 24 years before his passing in December 2025. Miller was the driving force behind bringing students onto the Longwood Legislative Committee — not as observers, but as full, active, and equal members from day one. His legacy was on full display as student representatives from William Floyd Union Free School District, Eastern Suffolk BOCES, and Longwood Central School District addressed attendees, speaking directly to the importance of public education and its impact on their futures.

A centerpiece of the program, the featured presentation “Stronger Together: Why Partnerships Matter” included remarks from Board President Molloy, Bob Vecchio, Executive Director of the Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association, and David Wicks, Chief Operating Officer of Eastern Suffolk BOCES. The panel highlighted the critical role of cross-district and cross-sector collaboration in strengthening educational outcomes for Long Island students.

Following formal introductions of legislators, attendees engaged in a closed question-and-answer session on education funding, legislative priorities, and the shared challenges confronting Long Island’s public schools. The program concluded with closing remarks from Longwood High School senior Gabriella Hepp.

“Twenty-two years ago, this breakfast began with a shared belief that when school districts come together, advocacy becomes stronger, more informed, and more effective," said Board of Education President Victoria Molloy. "Today, board members, superintendents, parents, students, and legislators sit side by side to speak openly about the challenges facing our schools. We are unified. That is why legislators come here, that is why this breakfast works, and that is why it continues. We are proud to lead this important initiative year after year.”