We are writing as a group of Manhasset High School parents to respectfully request that the district reinstate a Manhasset-run Driver & Traffic Safety Education (DTSE) program for our students.

Our juniors already face one of the most demanding academic years—balancing AP/IB coursework, athletics, arts, and college planning. Many Manhasset families are now forced to enroll their teens in driver education programs run by neighboring districts, which adds transportation time, complexity, and cost on top of an already heavy schedule. 

Manhasset previously offered driver education in partnership with a licensed provider (e.g., Bell Auto Driving School), as reflected in district communications from 2015. This shows the program is feasible here when priorities and logistics align. 

Several nearby Nassau County public high schools currently offer driver education to their own students:

• Port Washington (Paul D. Schreiber HS) 
• Roslyn High School 
• Great Neck Public Schools
• Syosset High School
• Herricks High School
• Locust Valley High School
• Bellmore-Merrick CHSD

As you know, New York State’s DTSE framework is jointly overseen by NYSED and the NYS DMV, which enables districts to run compliant programs or partner with licensed providers. New York State Education Department

Our requests:

• Reinstate a Manhasset-run DTSE program beginning as early as Spring or Fall 2026, using a cost-recovery model (tuition covers vendor/instructor/insurance), similar to neighboring districts.
• Pilot schedule options that fit a junior’s workload, e.g., before-school, after-school /evening and weekend driving sessions.
• Explore partnerships with reputable local providers (e.g., Bell Auto), as Manhasset has done before, to streamline staffing and vehicles.
• Place the item on a Board of Education agenda for discussion

We would welcome a short parent-administrator meeting to discuss logistics (space, staffing, vendor selection, insurance, and fee structure) and to share best practices from neighboring districts. Thank you for considering this request that directly supports student safety, equity, and family schedules.

With appreciation,

Parents of Manhasset High School Students