On Oct. 8, the district conducted an information session regarding school district mergers. We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions below.
What is the process for deciding on a merger?
The Board of Education for each school district must first vote to conduct a merger study. After the study, if each district chooses to move forward, a straw vote takes place. If a majority of voters in each district say “yes” to a potential merger in the straw poll, a second, binding vote on the merger will be set by the state education department.
How much does it cost to conduct a merger study?
Merger studies range from approximately $65,000–$105,000 depending on the company who conducts the study. The cost of the study is aidable and would be split between the districts, there are also possible grants available to offset the cost.
What does the merger study review?
The study is designed to give individuals a shared view of the likely impact. The study reviews a number of items in detail, including but not limited to:
- Current and projected enrollment
- Ability to offer programs
- Curriculum and educational opportunities
- Facilities and transportation
- Staffing plans
- Athletics and extracurricular opportunities
- Budgetary impacts
What state aid is available for a merged district?
Reorganization Incentive Operating Aid (RIOA) is additional state aid apportioned to a new district after reorganization to support the resulting expenses. RIOA is 14 years of aid. The new district would receive 40% of the combined aid for 5 years, which is then reduced by 4% per year over the next 9 years. After 14 years, the district would receive the traditional state aid that every school district in NYS receives.
How are districts who have conducted mergers doing? Are there successful studies available?
There have been a number of successful and unsuccessful school district mergers in New York state. Some examples of successful mergers in the greater capital district include:
- Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk
- Berne-Knox-Westerlo
- Cobleskill-Richmondville
- Cairo-Durham
- Broadalbin-Perth
How is the Board of Education determined for a new merged school district?
If the merger is approved, voters will have the opportunity to elect a new combined Board of Education to govern the merged district.
If a merger is voted down, is there an amount of time that must pass before a district can pursue a merger again?
There is not necessarily a set amount of time if the districts choose to have another community vote on the same merger proposal.
If a merger was considered with an alternate district, the entire process would start over and that would take well over a year to complete.
58 South Park Street · Cambridge, NY 12816 · 518-677-2653 · www.cambridgecsd.org