Schoharie, neighboring school districts to apply for feasibility grant
Schoharie Central School District will join with
Middleburgh, Cobleskill-Richmondville, Duanesburg, Berne-Knox-Westerlo,
and Jefferson school districts in applying for a feasibility grant to
fund a study looking at the potential of shared services and
consolidation among districts.
The study would provide districts with information to consider their
future options in these areas; no decisions nor commitments have been
made by the schools. Shared services could include transportation,
academics, staffing, special education, and central office functions.
The districts are currently working on the grant application.
“School districts face increasing financial pressures and are challenged
to develop workable and balanced budgets during a time of economic
downturn, rising costs and uncertain state aid levels,” said Schoharie
Superintendent Brian Sherman. “Add to that the devastation to our
communities wreaked by Tropical Storm Irene and it’s imperative we take
a proactive look at all of our alternatives. The grant funding will
allow us to do that.”
Sherman said Schoharie Central will be working closely with the
community to gather input and feedback while exploring ways to continue
offering quality education in view of such pressures.
