LI families say driver's ed course canceled over 'aspects not compliant with state regulations'
Schechter has terminated its relationship with the company that offered the driver’s education course. The families of all registered students who took the course in June or registered for July or August sessions will receive a full refund, processed today.
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Long Island parents say they're feeling stunned and upset after finding out their kids' driver's education course was canceled.
"To find out the last day that their time here was just wasted," said parent Anna Nappi.
That time was spent over the last several weeks at Schechter School of Long Island in Williston Park.
But on Monday, they received a surprising email.
"On Friday, we thought we were done, and then we got an email yesterday that the course was not complete," said Melissa Casabianca, whose child took the course.
That email from Schechter says:
"Upon scrutiny and review, the Schechter administration has determined that students who participated in the driver's education course offered by an outside company contracted for that purpose are not eligible for state certification, as aspects of the program were not compliant with state regulations.
Schechter has terminated its relationship with the company that offered the driver’s education course. The families of all registered students who took the course in June or registered for July or August sessions will receive a full refund, processed today.
In addition, Schechter’s administration is moving quickly to identify alternatives for students to enroll in courses that will provide certification as quickly as possible. All potential solutions are being pursued in recognition that the loss of certification at this late date has the potential to impact the summer plans of students and their families. Schechter is prepared to provide any reliable records to subsequent driver's education providers to help expedite certification.
We apologize for this situation but please know that Schechter leadership is focused on resolving this issue as quickly and expeditiously as possible. We will provide prompt updates to the affected families as soon as alternative options are identified."
The school hasn't clarified what those aspects are. News 12 reached out for more details Tuesday.
Parents say the "outside company" is the Long Island Driving School.
People over at that driving school initially told News 12 to reach out to Schechter since, they say, the school ran the driver's education course.
News 12 followed up with the driving school Tuesday. Crews stopped at the address listed on Google and tried to get in touch with them over the phone but have not yet heard back.
"There's just no time for driver's ed in the fall between sports, homework," Nappi explains.
Families say if they have to go through all of this again, it won't be easy.
"Once school is over, they start working. It's just dragged out now and delayed. We still don't know why," said Long Island dad John Provost.
News 12 reached out to the DMV.
A spokesperson sent the following statement:
"DMV has been working with NYSED to investigate the complaints originating with the Schechter School of Long Island, which has entered into a contract with Long Island Driving School to provide behind-the-wheel instruction in their driver education course. We remain committed to assisting NYSED in whatever ways we can as they work to ensure that the Schechter School’s administration of their driver education program is consistent with all applicable rules and regulations, and that the Schechter School’s driver education course delivers the quality of instruction necessary to promote safe driving on our highways."
