HARRISON, N.Y. — Following a referendum vote of its member schools, Section One announced that teams from its non-public schools will be ineligible to participate in postseason competition with public schools beginning in the 2027-28 school year.

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 One did not take this step lightly, but the results of this vote make clear that our member schools believe change is necessary,” said Dr. Marc P. Baiocco, Section One President and Superintendent of Schools for the Clarkstown Central 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.”

Earlier this spring, Section One’s 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 One 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.

The amendment required two-thirds voting in favor of the amendment for passage. Each school had a vote, and 69 of the 73 schools that cast a ballot voted in favor of the change.

“This vote reflects our commitment to fairness, transparency, and ensuring all schools have an equitable opportunity to compete,” Dr. Baiocco said.

With the amendment not taking effect until the fall of 2027, Section One will evaluate how the change may impact future postseason tournaments.

“While this vote marks an important milestone, it also begins a thoughtful and deliberate process for Section One,” Executive Director Todd Santabarbara said. “With implementation not taking effect until the fall of 2027, we have the necessary time to evaluate how this amendment will shape our postseason structure and ensure we are making decisions that best serve all of our student-athletes and member schools. Our focus moving forward will be on careful planning, collaboration, and maintaining the integrity of our programs throughout this transition.”

The Center for Interscholastic Athletics, a division of Southern Westchester BOCES, serves 78 high schools in Dutchess, Putnam, Rockland, and Westchester counties, providing support with the organization and management of athletic programs. Section One is part of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Inc., a non-profit organization that provides equitable and safe competition for the students of public, private and parochial member schools.