Chenango Forks/ Chenango Valley School Merger Talks Continue

Work is progressing on exploring the possibility of merging the Chenango Valley and Chenango Forks school districts.

A meeting between the exploratory committee and the public was held April 30th.  The session focused on property taxes with word that a combined district could mean higher taxes for residents now in the Chenango Forks school district. But a combined district could mean more in New York State aid over 14 years.

There are two more committee meetings to discuss the earlier consolidation study recommendations before a final recommendation would be sent to the New York State Education Department.  That is due to be submitted by July 1.

If a merger is approved by the state, the CV and CF school boards would vote on whether to adopt the consolidation plan and place it before voters.  A straw poll would then be conducted in November.  A final vote would come next January if the proposal survives the straw poll.

If a merger is ultimately approved by residents of both district, the consolidation would be implemented in July of 2014.