At a contentious and emotional meeting Monday night, all the members of the Syosset Central School District Board of Education voted to opt out of the regionalization plan proposed by the New York State Education Department Board of Regents.

“Tonight, the Syosset Board of Education voted unanimously to opt out of the New York State Department of Education’s regionalization planning process and implementation. The Board also voted to retain independent counsel to reserve its right to fight any future attempts that cross its red lines–any diminishment of local control, or redirection of local resources.” said District Spokesperson Philomena Hefferon in a statement to News 12.

The decision came after a heated meeting that dozens of parents and community members packed into at South Woods Middle School.

Emotions ran high at the meeting because parents accused the board of intentionally delaying talking about the regionalization plan.

Syosset parents tell News 12 they are worried the plan would mean fewer resources for their kids and they would lose local control of their district.

Our News 12 camera was there as the Syosset school board meeting was brought to a halt more than once due to parents and community members shouting at board members to be heard about the regionalization plan.

The meeting was held just hours after the Board of Regents met to adopt a final regionalization plan.

Changes were made to the language of the regulation, emphasizing that school districts do not have to take part.

State leaders say the plan allows districts to share resources and promote success for all students.

All New York districts have until January 15 to decide whether they will take part in the regionalization plan.