Section 1 public schools voted unanimously to bar private schools from postseason competition beginning in the 2027-28 school year, it was announced Tuesday.
The amendment required two-thirds voting in favor for passage. The Rye City and Rye Neck districts were among 69 of the 73 ballots cast in favor of the change. The four votes against the amendment came from the private schools that are affected: Albertus Magnus, a Catholic high school in Rockland County; The Leffell School, a K-12 Jewish school in Hartsdale; the Harrison-based Japanese private school Keio Academy; and the Ursuline School, an all-girls Catholic school in New Rochelle.
“Since our state association has not made necessary change at the state level, we (member schools of Section 1) felt the need to make changes locally to create an equitable playing field,” Rye athletic director Susan Reid told The Record on Wednesday. “This constitutional change is not about excluding any particular school or student-athlete. It is about preserving the integrity and competitive balance of our sectional postseason structure.”
A statement released Tuesday by Section 1 says non-public member schools will have the option to compete in separate non-public championship contests against other non-public schools at the conclusion of the season; however, those winners would not advance to state tournament competition.
“Section 1 did not take this step lightly, but the results of this vote make clear that our member schools believe change is necessary,” said Marc P. Baiocco, president of Section 1 and superintendent for the Clarkstown school district. “For years, we have raised concerns about structural inequities and advocated for a more balanced postseason system. Unfortunately, the continued inaction of NYSPHSAA left us with no choice but to act on behalf of our student-athletes and school communities.”
The argument against public and non-public schools competing in the same bracket centers on private schools’ ability to recruit student-athletes, which Rye City School District administrators say provides an unfair advantage.
“We respect non-public school members,” Reid said, “but this decision reflects our membership’s commitment to what it believes is in the best interest of interscholastic athletics and equitable opportunities for all.”
Earlier this spring, the Section 1 executive committee adopted a resolution to pursue a constitutional amendment if NYSPHSAA did not address concerns raised at its “Schools Without Boundaries” meeting in April.
After confirmation that NYSPHSAA will maintain its current approach, the Section 1 Athletic Council voted to authorize a referendum ballot vote of member schools on a proposed amendment to the Section One, Inc. Constitution and Bylaws. The ballot was distributed in May with a deadline of June 12, 2026.
“This vote reflects our commitment to fairness, transparency, and ensuring all schools have an equitable opportunity to compete,” Baiocco said.
With the amendment not taking effect until Fall 2027, Section 1 said it will evaluate how the change may impact future postseason tournaments.
“Our focus moving forward will be on careful planning, collaboration, and maintaining the integrity of our programs throughout this transition,” said Section 1 Executive Director Todd Santabarbara.
