About the Merger

The process of two or more school districts combining into one is governed by state Education Law. The process is formally called "reorganization," but more commonly referred to as a merger. There are two main types of mergers: centralization, where a new district is created from two or more existing districts; and annexation, in which one district "annexes" one or more districts. Districts must be contiguous, meaning they share borders, to merge. The process of a merger relies on public support and input. More information about the legal aspects of the process can be found here: Guide to the Reorganization of School Districts in New York State.

What is annexation?

An annexation is a merger in which one district remains as it was (with its own Board of Education, administration and other staffing) and the other is absorbed into it. The other type of merger is a centralization, in which both districts are dissolved, and a new district is formed. Districts must specify which type of merger they wish to explore before a study can begin.

The differences between annexation and centralization are most significant when there is a significant difference of size, population or other factors between the two districts. However, this is not the case between Schenevus and Worcester. In fact, the two districts share common goals, including a desire to keep school buildings open in both communities, and to preserve jobs.

Why annexation was chosen

For Schenevus, the need to explore a merger is viewed as urgent to the district’s continued existence. District officials advise that the district is operating at a structural deficit. If the district does not merge with another district or send students to another district on a tuition basis, it faces the possibility of being unable to fund an adequate K-12 education program. If the district cannot meet federal and state mandates, it risks being dissolved by the state, at which point Schenevus students would be redistributed among neighboring districts (including Worcester).

For Worcester, the need to explore a merger is less urgent, but the district does recognize that being proactive is in the best interest of the community. Given this, Worcester’s Board of Education believed an annexation study was the only type of study that the community would support.

Shared Values

Both boards agreed that agreeing to an annexation was preferable to walking away from the merger study process. In addition, the boards agreed to the following set of shared values that would guide the two districts if and when a merger is approved by voters and board members. An update to these shared values was drafted in October 2021.

1. To demonstrate the value and importance of encouraging collective school governance among all stakeholders of the enlarged school district, increase Board of Education membership from 5 to 7 members. It is understood that this will be a means to encourage broad-based participation but cannot guarantee the same. Upon a successful annexation vote, the Worcester Board of Education will initiate a vote to request an increase in the size of the BOE from 5 to 7 members. Should this be successful and as soon as practicable, a a special election will be held to seat the additional BOE members.

2. As we value a 21^st century education for our students, a successful merger vote will provide resources to enhance student learning opportunities. A merger will also provide an opportunity to realize efficiencies. Therefore, in an effort to accomplish each of these outcomes, the BOE will discuss and determine the most appropriate way maximize the additional merger aid to:

a. expand and enhance the academic program and educational opportunities offered to students;

b. assess the means to aid taxpayers;

c. provide funds to a reserve to address unforeseen issues that may arise, as well as maintaining the initiatives stated above.

3. The BOE understands the value to keep both school buildings open. It is understood that the Schenevus school building will be needed for educational programming in the foreseeable future. Therefore, provide the means for the Schenevus school and community to name the Schenevus school building to reflect the role it will play educating students.

4. All employees are valued. As such, the BOE will discuss the means to provide employment for as many staff members as possible. Strategies, such as utilizing retirements and attrition will be used to accomplish this goal.