This page provides answers to commonly asked questions about the Deposit CSD and Hancock CSD feasibility study. As the study progresses, additional questions and responses may be added based on feedback from students, staff, families, and community members. Our goal is to provide clear and accurate information to help keep the community informed throughout the process.
Q: Why are the two boards of education discussing the possibility of merging the two school districts?
A: The two Boards of Education agreed to explore the possibility of a merger in order to better understand whether it could offer potential benefits or present challenges for students, staff, and the broader community. Through the feasibility study, the districts are examining a range of factors, including educational programming, student support services, staffing, community impact, and financial considerations such as potential state incentive aid. The purpose of the study is to gather information and evaluate possibilities, not to assume a particular outcome.
Q: Who will decide whether there is a merger?
A: If both Boards of Education decide to move the process forward after reviewing the feasibility study, the question would be presented to voters in each district. In order for a merger to move ahead, the proposition would need to be approved by voters in both districts.
Q: Have any decisions been made already?
A: At this time, the Boards of Education have only decided to move forward with the feasibility study process. The purpose of the study is to gather data, information, and community input so the boards can better understand the potential opportunities and challenges associated with a merger. No decision has been made about whether to proceed to a public vote.
Q: What is the role of Leadership Solutions Advisers?
A: Leadership Solutions Advisers is the consulting firm conducting the feasibility study related to the potential merger of the two districts. Their role is to gather information, facilitate stakeholder engagement, analyze findings, and prepare a report for the New York State Education Department and both Boards of Education. The report will also be made available to the public before any decision is made about possible next steps.
Q: What is involved in the feasibility study?
A: The feasibility study includes reviewing district data, gathering input from students, staff, families, and community members, and examining several key areas related to the operation of both districts. An Advisory Committee with representatives from both Deposit and Hancock has been formed to review information and provide feedback throughout the process. Additional input is also being gathered through stakeholder workgroups, student sessions, and focus groups in the areas of Educational Experiences, Organizational Capacity, and Financial Sustainability.
Q: How long is the feasibility study process?
A: The feasibility study began earlier this year and is expected to continue through June 2026. The process includes a series of Advisory Committee meetings, stakeholder sessions, and opportunities for community input, followed by development and review of a draft report. A final report is expected to be presented to both Boards of Education at a joint meeting on June 9, 2026. A current timeline is available on the study website and will be updated as needed.
Q: What is the role of each of the superintendents and other administrators?
A: The superintendents and district administrators are assisting the feasibility study process by providing information, data, and background about their respective districts. This helps ensure that the study team, advisory groups, and community members have accurate information to review as part of the process.
Q: What will the public vote on if each school board decides to proceed?
A: If both Boards of Education choose to move the process forward, voters in each district would be asked to consider whether to approve a merger. Depending on the structure of the proposal, the ballot may also include questions related to the composition of a future Board of Education, such as the number of board members and the length of their terms.
Q: How could a merger affect educational offerings for students?
A: One of the questions being examined through the feasibility study is whether a merger could affect educational opportunities for students. Depending on the findings, areas of review may include academic programming, extracurricular offerings, access to specialized services, and the efficient use of shared resources. The purpose of the study is to evaluate these possibilities as well as any challenges or limitations.
Q: How will a merger affect student transportation?
A: Transportation is one of the issues being reviewed as part of the feasibility study. If the process were to move forward, factors such as bus routes, ride times, and transportation logistics would need to be carefully examined during any future planning process. No decisions have been made at this time regarding how transportation would be structured.
Q: What could happen to staff if a merger takes place?
A: If a merger were approved, staffing decisions would be made as part of a future transition process by the newly formed district. Those decisions would be guided by applicable laws, regulations, contractual obligations, and the educational and operational needs of the new district. Because no decision has been made to merge, no staffing decisions have been made at this time.
Q: How would contracts for teachers and staff be handled?
A: If a merger were approved, employee contracts would be addressed in accordance with applicable labor agreements, legal requirements, and the collective bargaining process. Existing agreements and employee rights would continue to be important considerations during any transition. Specific outcomes would depend on the structure and timing of any future merger process.
Q: In your knowledge of merged schools, how do schools function after the extra incentive aid ends? Have they encountered challenges?
A: Experiences can vary from district to district. In general, the long-term effect of a merger depends on a number of factors, including planning, financial management, enrollment trends, educational priorities, and leadership over time. Some districts have been able to adjust successfully after incentive aid ended, while others have faced challenges that required additional planning or changes in operations. Reviewing long-term sustainability is one of the areas being considered in this study.
Q: Is there a possibility that the incentive aid could change from the amounts currently being presented?
A: The incentive aid estimates being discussed are based on current New York State laws and formulas. As with other forms of state aid, future amounts could be affected if state law or funding formulas were changed. Any projections shared as part of the study are based on the information currently available.
This FAQ section will continue to evolve throughout the feasibility study process. As new questions and topics are raised by members of the Deposit and Hancock communities, additional information will be added here to help keep everyone informed.
Community members are encouraged to submit additional questions to help guide future updates to this page.
We encourage community members to check this page periodically for updates!