More questions concerning possible four district merger
By: Chelsea Rarrick
Updated: January 5, 2012
The Superintendent of the Ilion Central Schools says Thursday night's
meeting was not for people who had already made up their mind in regards
to the possible four school district merger.
He says it was a way for people to know what they were voting on, and get answers to any questions.
One Ilion student is still on the fence about the merger, but says it could be good for the future.
Ian Wiernicki is in 10th grade, and already has plans to go to medical school.
With the four district merger, Ian says he could get an opportunity to be more prepared.
"We've been told that there will be more advanced placement, and college now classes that will help get credits for college and more than one language," said Wiernicki.
As a sophomore, Ian says the merger would directly impact him during his junior and senior years.
While the merger may mean more available programs, it would also mean more students.
"Prom, senior ball, things like that. There's going to be all these other people there. I think that's why a lot of kids are hesitant as there's going to be all these other people at our things," said Wiernicki.
Superintendent, Cosmo Tangorra says he's aware of student's fears of losing their identity.
But merger or not, he says something needs to be done.
"We all agree that something has to change, and something has to be different. There's not one board of education involved in the study, or one of the superintendents who disagree on that fact," said Tangorra.
When it comes time to make a decision, Tangorra says it's not about which way the vote sways.
"Whether they decide to vote for this merger, or against it, it's almost irrelevant. What's important is that they make their decisions based on facts," he said.
He says it was a way for people to know what they were voting on, and get answers to any questions.
One Ilion student is still on the fence about the merger, but says it could be good for the future.
Ian Wiernicki is in 10th grade, and already has plans to go to medical school.
With the four district merger, Ian says he could get an opportunity to be more prepared.
"We've been told that there will be more advanced placement, and college now classes that will help get credits for college and more than one language," said Wiernicki.
As a sophomore, Ian says the merger would directly impact him during his junior and senior years.
While the merger may mean more available programs, it would also mean more students.
"Prom, senior ball, things like that. There's going to be all these other people there. I think that's why a lot of kids are hesitant as there's going to be all these other people at our things," said Wiernicki.
Superintendent, Cosmo Tangorra says he's aware of student's fears of losing their identity.
But merger or not, he says something needs to be done.
"We all agree that something has to change, and something has to be different. There's not one board of education involved in the study, or one of the superintendents who disagree on that fact," said Tangorra.
When it comes time to make a decision, Tangorra says it's not about which way the vote sways.
"Whether they decide to vote for this merger, or against it, it's almost irrelevant. What's important is that they make their decisions based on facts," he said.
