A New Path to High School Diplomas for the Class of 2028
Sea Cliff, NY · October 6, 2026
Crisp air is lingering on the porch this morning, but clear skies will carry us straight into tonight's Leonard Bernstein retrospective at the library. Plenty of community business to sort through before then.
The Lead
The North Shore School District is mapping out a fundamental shift in how local high schoolers earn their diplomas. Addressing the Board of Education, interim Superintendent Tom Dolan outlined New York State's plan to sunset mandatory Regents exam requirements, starting with the Class of 2028. The long-standing three-tier system—local, Regents, and Advanced Regents—will consolidate into a single high school diploma, with Regents tests remaining as optional credentials rather than graduation barriers.
Counseling director Dan Doherty confirmed that local students are already positioned to benefit from alternative pathways, which allow teenagers to demonstrate proficiency through hands-on capstones and applied coursework. While the transition offers greater flexibility for diverse learners, administrators face the immediate task of designing local performance standards. Guidance counselors will host family information sessions later this semester to explain the emerging options.
Local Pulse
State Clears Water Certificate for Harbor Cable Community Regulators approved the controversial transmission line's water quality filing, moving final project clearance to federal Army Corps engineers.
School Trustees Weigh Options for Open Seat Schools The board will decide whether to appoint an interim trustee or schedule a special election following James Svendson's resignation.
Architectural Review Board Convenes at Village Hall City Hall Commissioners review exterior residential renovation plans and building additions tonight starting at quarter to seven in the boardroom.
Today's Outlook
- High 61°F · Low 47°F — Clear
- Crisp autumn sunshine makes for ideal walking weather, though you will want a light jacket early.
What's On Around Town
Today
Voting Equipment Demonstration Glen Cove Public Library (4 Glen Cove Ave), Glen Cove, 11:00 AM–3:00 PM · Free Test-drive the county's updated ballot machines ahead of early voting.
Katonah Yoga Locust Valley Library (170 Buckram Rd), Locust Valley, 5:30–6:30 PM Unwind with evening breathwork and alignment poses in the community room.
The Legacy of Leonard Bernstein Sea Cliff Village Library, 7:00–8:30 PM · Free Trace the maestro's breakthrough debut and lasting musical influence.
Tomorrow
- Native Plant Lecture and Seed Collection Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center, Oyster Bay Cove, 1:00 PM
- Blood Pressure Screening Glen Cove Public Library (4 Glen Cove Ave), Glen Cove, 1:00 PM · Free
- Create and Express Locust Valley Library (170 Buckram Rd), Locust Valley, 6:00–7:00 PM
Thursday
- Leon + Good Gallery Anniversary Leon + Good Gallery (30 The Plaza), Locust Valley, 6:00 PM
- Game Night Glen Cove Public Library (4 Glen Cove Ave), Glen Cove, 7:00 PM · Free
Spotlight & Story
- Frederick W. Geissenhainer
- When the village incorporated in 1883, residents elected this eccentric Manhattan lawyer as their first village president. Within months, Geissenhainer personally bought a Remington hand engine dubbed the "Little Giant," equipping the volunteer fire company that initially bore his name.
Sea Cliff Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.
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