SCS Super State Push May Not Lead to Mergers

SCHOHARIE - New York State is pushing for school districts to share more. That effort may not lead to more school mergers, but not cooperating in sharing may force more mergers, Schoharie school Superintendent David Blanchard believes.

"The state education departments initiative to build regional collaboration is designed to ensure operational efficiency and improve educational opportunities and outcomes," Superintendent Blanchard said last week. "I do not see it as a pathway for merger. I see it as a pathway to support and work with together with other districts to improve our schools. I think we can create effective and efficient programs that will create better school district  finances. I think not working together could lead to merger."

Superintendent Blanchard spoke about the state effort at the Schoharie school board meeting late last month.

State regionalization would improve district effectiveness and efficiency, he told school  board members. The biggest focus is on the social and emotional needs of students.

A report to the state educational department is required by November 1, he said. The administrative team will be meeting to look at data and answering questions. "Are there areas we are missing?"

Regionalization, sharing educational services between or with another nearby school district, will be a focus throughout the new school year, Superintendent Blanchard said, and could be included in a 10-year plan for the district, leading to partnering with neighboring districts.

"Here we go folks," he told school board members.