January 15, 2026
Cazenovia and Morrisville-Eaton Boards of Education Select Schmitt Leadership Group, LLC to Lead Reorganization Feasibility Study
The Cazenovia Central School District and the Morrisville-Eaton Central School District are pleased to announce a significant milestone in their collaborative efforts to explore a potential merger. Following a thorough and competitive selection process, both Boards of Education have officially selected Schmitt Leadership Group, LLC to conduct the formal Reorganization Feasibility Study.
The selection follows a joint executive session held on Tuesday, January 6th, where the Boards conducted final interviews with the top two candidate firms. The evaluation focused on the firm’s professional qualifications, educational backgrounds, and history of successful leadership in school district reorganizations. The selection was approved at the Madison-Oneida BOCES Board of Education meeting on January 7, 2026.
The Schmitt Leadership Group, LLC will lead the comprehensive study and will report the findings by July 2026. The study will provide a factual, data-driven analysis of how a potential reorganization could impact educational programming, extracurricular opportunities, long-term fiscal stability, transportation, and facilities. The study will review the current financial health of both districts, project the long-term fiscal stability of the districts, communicate the impact on tax revenues, expenditures, state aid, district buildings, transportation, food services, and review the potential to expand instructional and extracurricular opportunities for students,.
Funding the Study
Cazenovia and Morrisville-Eaton applied for and earned a $40,000 grant from the New York State Department of Education to help fund this initiative. The total cost of the study is $48,600.The grant will offset the cost to ensure the comprehensive study is very cost effective. The remaining cost will generate BOCES aid through the Madison-Oneida BOCES ensuring that the financial burden on local taxpayers is very minimal.
The Path Ahead: Community Engagement
Both districts recognize the community’s high level of interest in the reorganization process. Under New York State law, public engagement is not just encouraged but is required. The Reorganization Feasibility Study serves as the foundation for community members to become informed before the Commissioner of Education and both Boards of Education make any decisions.
Conversations regarding a potential reorganization between the Morrisville-Eaton Central School District and the Cazenovia Central School District are currently in the earliest phases of the formal process. While the topic of reorganization has been discussed over time, the Reorganization Feasibility Study is just beginning. Upon completion, the study’s findings will be reviewed by the New York State Education Department, Madison-Oneida BOCES, both Boards of Education, and then shared publicly. The Boards of Education will seek extensive community input before determining whether to advance to any next steps, which could include a non-binding “straw vote” or petition process, both of which would occur prior to any consideration of a binding public vote for reorganization.
Next Steps in the Reorganization Process
1. Reorganization Feasibility Study (Current Phase): Led by Schmitt Leadership Group, LLC to evaluate benefits and challenges.
2. Data Review and Stakeholder Engagement: Public forums to gain community views and feedback on reorganization.
3. Review of Findings: State Education Department and Boards of Education review and then share publicly.
4. Straw Vote or Petition Process (Non-binding): A non-binding preliminary vote or petition process to measure public support.
5. Reorganization Vote (Binding): A final vote determines if the new district is formed.
The Boards of Education wish to thank the community for their continued engagement and patience as we take this professional step toward ensuring the best possible future for our students.
For more information and updates throughout the study process, please visit the district’s official website.