Ilion, Mohawk residents deciding fate of two-school merger proposal

Residents in Mohawk and Ilion are deciding the fate of the proposed two- school district merger.

Polls opened at noon and officials say it's been a steady turnout throughout the day.

The big question tonight is can two really become one? Residents in Mohawk and Ilion are coming out to vote for or against the two school merger.

Some may have voter fatigue by now, but residents say it's important to make their vote count.

From a four-district merger proposal now down to a two-district merger, the two Valley school districts are giving it one last shot.

Residents will be voting on three propositions.

First, are they in favor or opposed of the reorganization, how many members will be on the new school board: five, seven or nine. And lastly, how long those terms will last: three, four, or five years.

If the merger is passed, the school districts will receive $42 million dollars in aid over a 15 year period.

Students pre-k to fourth grade will remain at their current elementary schools.

5th through 8th graders will go to Jarvis in Mohawk. And 9th through 12th will be at Ilion.

But, if the merger fails neither school district will be able to look into another proposal for a year and a day.

"Then it's back to the drawing board. Our board will regroup and we will see what we have to do for a budget. That will have to be in place to be voted on in May," said Ilion's President of the Board of Education, Dan LaLonde.

Polls close at 8 and if the merger is passed- the new school district will begin operating on July 1st.