Ballard Elementary School issued the following announcement.
The Fort Edward Union Free School District and the South Glens Falls Central School District boards of education have interviewed and selected educational consultant Castallo & Silky, LLC to conduct a formal merger study of the two school districts. The consultant was expected to be approved by both boards of education at their respective meetings on Monday, Aug. 17.
The purpose of the merger study is to gather information about the potential staffing and financial impacts of an annexation, in which Fort Edward Union Free School District would become part of the South Glens Falls Central School District. The study will explore options for building and classroom configurations within a merged district.
A merger study is the required first step if two or more school districts are considering consolidation. Conducted by a consultant with support from staff and community members from both districts, the study will offer recommendations on organization, staffing, finances, transportation and educational programming.
A merger study is advisory only — neither district is required to take any action based on the merger study’s recommendations. The study is presented to the school communities for their review.
The merger study will gather data on topics such as:
Academic and extracurricular program
Staffing
Facilities and transportation
Calculating potential savings
Financial impact of merger
In the next month, the two districts will also form a joint advisory committee, composed of South Glens Falls and Fort Edward staff and community members. The committee will meet to review the consultant’s findings. Any information received will be shared with the public.
The districts are expected to present the completed study (pending approval from the state Education Department) in the next 12-18 months. If both school boards decide to move forward with a vote by their respective community members, this would most likely take place at some time in fall 2021 or winter 2022. The merger cannot occur until both communities approve it through a public vote.
Original source here.
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