School District Reorganization in the CA BOCES Region

School districts across New York State sometimes explore reorganization as a way to strengthen programs, expand opportunities for students, and respond to changes in enrollment, staffing, finances, or facilities.

How the Process Works

The process usually begins with conversations between boards of education.

If the boards agree to move forward, they may hire an independent consultant to complete a feasibility study (via BOCES for aid). The study typically reviews enrollment, programs, staffing, finances, transportation, facilities, and taxes. Beginning a reorganization study does not mean districts have decided to reorganize. A study gives boards of education and their communities the information they need to consider their options.

The findings are then shared with the boards and the public. Any formal reorganization must follow New York State requirements and receive the required voter approval.

Reorganization Options

New York State allows several forms of school district reorganization.

• Centralization
  • Two or more districts combine to create a new central school district.
• Annexation
  • One district becomes part of another existing district.
• Tuition Agreements
  • A district may contract with another district to educate some or all of its students while remaining a separate district.
• Districts may also share staff, programs, transportation, athletics, and other services without formally reorganizing.

Why Districts Explore Reorganization

Districts may consider reorganization to:

• Expand academic programs and student opportunities
• Address declining enrollment
• Improve staffing and recruitment
• Make better use of facilities and resources
• Strengthen long-term financial stability
• Qualify for additional state aid

A reorganization study also looks closely at concerns such as taxes, transportation, staffing, facilities, school identity, and governance.

Current Reorganization Activity in the CA BOCES Region

Andover and Whitesville

The Andover Central School District and Whitesville Central School District are beginning the process of selecting a consultant to complete a reorganization feasibility study.

The districts have issued a Request for Proposals for the study (Link to RFP). This is an exploratory step and does not mean that either district has decided to merge.

Updates, meeting information, study materials, and other documents will be posted here as they become available.

Past Reorganizations in Our Region

Several school districts in the CA BOCES region were created through earlier reorganizations:

• Allegany-Limestone Central School District – 1995
• Bolivar-Richburg Central School District – 1995
• Cattaraugus-Little Valley Central School District – 2000
• Cuba-Rushford Central School District – 1991

The role of CA BOCES

CA BOCES may provide information, coordination, and support to districts that are exploring reorganization. At times, BOCES aid may be an assistive tool in the reorganization process.

CA BOCES does not decide whether districts should merge and does not advocate for a particular outcome. Those decisions belong to the participating boards of education and their communities.

Learn More

Additional information:

• NYSED: opens in a new windowGuide to Reorganization
• NYSED: opens in a new windowSchool District Reorganization: A Primer
• CORNELL: opens in a new windowNew York School District Data
• CORNELL: opens in a new windowTool to Calculate Unlimited Reorganization Incentive Operating Aid

Questions

Questions about a specific feasibility study or proposed reorganization should be directed to the participating school districts.

General questions about school district reorganization in the CA BOCES region may be directed to: