Recently, there has been some community concern as to non-resident students attending the Westbury Public Schools. Let me take this opportunity to state that the district is fully committed to investigating all cases where it is suspected that a student may not live in the district and we will vigorously pursuit reimbursement for tuition costs if, in fact, the student receiving services was not a Westbury resident.

Each year the Westbury Public Schools acts on a number of complaints where residency is called in to question. Complaints may be initiated by a school employee or resident who suspect a student may not live in Westbury. Anonymous tips are acted on as well. In all cases, a thorough investigation is conducted by an experienced investigator, using a variety of means, including home visits, to determine if there is cause to bring the case further. Those suspected of attending school but not residing in Westbury are entitled to due process in the form of an administrative hearing, where evidence is produced by the district's investigator to support the case against the alleged offender. If it is determined that the child is a non-resident, he or she will be removed from the district and their parent or guardian will be presented with a tuition bill to recover the cost of services back to the district.

This issue is taken very seriously by the administration and the Board of Education. If you suspect a student's legal status as a resident of our district may be questionable, please do not hesitate to call 876-5016. All calls remain anonymous and complaints will be thoroughly investigated.

We will continue our aggressive pursuit of those who are defrauding the district and its taxpayers by not residing in Westbury. We remain firm in our resolve in supporting Westbury's own students' academic, social and moral growth by providing them with a quality public education.