Dear Morrisville-Eaton Central School District Community,
We wanted to share information about an upcoming step in the potential merger process with the Cazenovia Central School District. The Morrisville-Eaton and Cazenovia Boards of Education will hold a joint meeting tomorrow, September 24, at 6 p.m. in the Administrative Board Room at Madison-Oneida BOCES. During this meeting, the Boards will enter into executive session to discuss responses to a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a consultant to conduct a merger study.
In October of 2023, the Morrisville-Eaton CSD requested that the Cazenovia Central School District explore the possibility of a merger. Both districts have agreed to examine this option and have been in the exploration phase for nearly two years.
The executive session discussion will focus on reviewing the employment histories, qualifications, educational backgrounds, and other criteria of the applicants. The purpose is to review the proposals and select candidates for interviews. The interviews themselves, when they happen, will also be conducted in executive session.
In addition, the Morrisville-Eaton Board will be acting on one additional agenda item: a change order related to the district’s capital improvement project. Other than that, the agenda is expected to mirror that of Cazenovia, with routine business.
We understand the community’s interest in this process. Please be assured that if the boards decide to move forward with the merger study, public engagement is a required part of the process under New York State law. We will continue to provide updates as they become available.
The Merger Study and Funding
Both the Morrisville-Eaton and Cazenovia school districts were awarded a $40,000 grant from the New York State Department of State to help fund the merger study. The grant awards a maximum of $20,000 per participating school district, with up to $100,000 available to support merger studies. The study’s total cost is typically around $100,000, but is increasing due to demand. The remaining costs are now aidable through BOCES.
Our district is currently between the first and second steps (outlined below) of the process. BOCES sent out the Request for Proposal (RFP) on behalf of the districts earlier this year to find a consultant. The boards are now at the stage of reviewing the proposals to select a consultant to interview and hire.
The Merger Process Under New York State Law
Under New York State law, the process for a school district merger, also known as centralization, is a multi-step process that involves the Boards of Education and the community. Here is a general overview of the steps involved:
Exploration and Information Gathering: This is the initial phase where districts explore the reasons for a merger and identify potential partners. Morrisville-Eaton and Cazenovia have held multiple joint meetings and community forums to discuss the potential of a merger.
Feasibility Study: If the Boards of Education agree, a comprehensive feasibility study is commissioned. This study, which can take around nine months, evaluates a merger’s potential benefits and challenges, focusing on finances, educational impact, facilities, and transportation. The study provides a factual basis for community members to become informed and assist them in reaching a decision.
Review of Findings: After the study is completed, the State Education Department reviews the results. The Boards of Education then decide whether to reject the merger, delay the decision, modify the plan, or move forward with a vote. Community members will have opportunities to provide feedback on the study’s findings.
Straw Vote (Non-binding): If the boards decide to proceed, they may hold a non-binding “straw vote” or collect petitions to gauge public support for the merger. A straw vote does not have a minimum percentage of registered voters required to be accepted.
Binding Vote: If the straw vote or petitions show public favor for a merger, the State Education Department will set a date for a binding vote. If a majority of voters in both districts approve the merger, the new district is formed.
New District Formation: If approved, the new school district would be established, and a new Board of Education would be elected. A new school’s name is automatically the names of the two previous schools combined, but there is a process to change it to an entirely different name.