Buses, BOCES Cut Led 2013 Headlines

2013 was a year of common core, bus changes, and BOCES cuts in the Five Towns. Here are the top school stories from 2013 in the Five Towns:

Lawrence Saves Millions by Cutting Out BOCES

The biggest savings comes with the district’s direct employment of nurses, psychiatrists and social workers who had worked through BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services) at district private schools. BOCES had been charging the district $21,000 in fees per employee, which was set to rise, said Superintendent Gary Schall. Click here for the full story.

Lawrence Schools Settles 'Anti-Orthodox' Firing Case

The Lawrence School District has settled a lawsuit for $145,000 that was brought by former guidance counselor Jay Silverstein, who alleged he was fired for being viewed as “anti-Orthodox,” according to his attorney. Click here for the full story.

Inwood Mom: Driver, Matron Didn't See My Autistic Son Get Off Bus

The following is a letter to the editor from Joann Capobianco of Inwood. Click here for the full letter.

HAFTR Student Named LI Scholar-Artist

A HAFTR senior has been named a 2013-14 Long Island Scholar-Artist Award of Merit winner. Tamara Heller was one of 20 students on Long Island to awarded the distinction, which is sponsored by the Long Island Arts Alliance. Click here for the full story.

Results Potentially Changed in Lawrence School Board Race

Tova Plaut now has an apparent lead against Jesse Lunin-Pack in the race for a Lawrence Board of Education seat after a machine recount. Click here for the full story.

Lawrence Declares Tova Plaut Winner in School Board Race

Nine days after Lawrence School District residents cast their votes for school board member, the district on Thursday officially declared Tova Plaut the winner. Click here for the full story.

Bail Set at $50K for Teen Who Allegedly Posted School Threat

A judge set bail at $50,000 for a 16-year-old Woodmere boy who allegedly threatened to blow up the office of his school’s assistant principal. Click here for the full story.