Potential Merging of Four Herkimer County School Districts
By: Elsa Gillis
Updated: November 14, 2011
Tough financial times and a reduction of state funding are forcing four Herkimer County School Districts to re-think and re-organize. Frankfort-Schuyler, Herkimer, Mohawk, and Ilion school districts are the districts being studied by an outside consulting group. Now the study is ready to be viewed and commented upon by the public.
Superintendent of Frankfort-Schuyler Central School District Bob Reina says these districts are those that rely on state aid and any reduction has a great impact on the districts' budget and tax levy. And he says as a result, his district has been forced to cut back lately.
The potential merger could bring more advanced placement programs to the school, in addition to more academic support programs. He says there are some challenges in merging --including transportation concerns and increased competition in athletic programs.
With the first of many public meetings beginning tomorrow, Reina offered some advice to those affected by the potential consolidation. "This is a very difficult decision. Everybody loves their school and everybody identifies with their school. Please critically look at the information. And when you go to vote, please make an informed decision on that."
For information on the meetings and to look at the study down you can go to each of the school districts websites listed below:
http://www.frankfort-schuyler.org/education/district/district.php?sectionid=1
http://www.herkimercsd.org/education/components/scrapbook/default.php?sectionid=1
