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
- Step 1: Boards of Education of affected districts hold joint meetings to determine whether to undergo a formal reorganization study.
- Step 2: If Boards of Education agree, a formal feasibility student on reorganization is commissioned. BOCES Aid is available for this expense. NY State Local Government Efficiency Grants may also be available for this expense.
- Step 3: Boards of Education maintain transparency and hold multiple public information meetings.
- Step 4: Boards of Education hold non-binding “straw vote” to assess public support for reorganization.
- Step 5: BOCES District Superintendent formally reports results of “straw vote” to the Commission of Education, indicating whether or not to proceed further.
Reorganization Options
New York State allows several forms of school district reorganization.
Districts may also share staff, programs, transportation, athletics, and other services without formally reorganizing.
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.
Centralization
Two or more districts combine to create a new central school district.
Why Districts Explore Reorganization
There are many reasons districts may consider reorganization. A reorganization study looks closely at concerns such as taxes, transportation, staffing, facilities, school identity, and governance. Below is a list of key benefits to reorganization.
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
Reorganization Activity in the CA BOCES Region
Several school districts in the CA BOCES region were created through earlier reorganizations:
Andover and Whitesville – Present
The Andover Central School District and Whitesville Central School District are currently exploring reorganization.
June 12, 2026 – CA BOCES issues “RFP 2621 – Feasibility Study for the Centralization of Whitesville CSD and Andover CSD.”
April 21, 2026 – Andover Central School Board of Education and Whitesville Central School Board of Education votes to conduct feasibility study.
February 11, 2026 – Joint Board Meeting; David A. Howe Library; Wellsville NY.
Cattaraugus-Little Valley Central School District – 2000
Genesee Valley Central School District – Merger of Angelica Central School District and Belmont Central School District – 1996
Allegany-Limestone Central School District – 1995
Bolivar-Richburg Central School District – 1995
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:
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 Scott Payne, District Superintendent and CEO.
Scott Payne
District Superintendent and CEO
Cattaraugus-Allegany BOCES