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Livingston Manor Roscoe merger study draft released

By Anthony Morgano
Posted 8/5/22

ROCKLAND — After months of research, commitee meetings and projections, a draft of the Livingston Manor and Roscoe School District merger study has been sent to the state Education Department …

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Livingston Manor Roscoe merger study draft released

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ROCKLAND — After months of research, commitee meetings and projections, a draft of the Livingston Manor and Roscoe School District merger study has been sent to the state Education Department for review. 

The 133-page document, combines the various topics that were discussed at prior meetings (including transportation, finances, facilities and more) with recommendations by the consultants for the merger.

While this study can be used as a building block, there are many things that will be left up to the districts - or rather the new district - should the vote pass through the three stages. 

One topic of contention being addressed is transportation. In the committee meeting about transportation, a shuttle system between the two buildings was discussed, but many parents expressed discontent about this idea. As a remedy, the two districts are working with Rolling V to create a projection for new bus routes that would avoid the need for a shuttle system.

“We are working with Rolling V to design new routes to see what works. We are looking into things like a staggered start vs both buildings starting at the same time,” Superintendent of Livingston Manor and Roscoe John Evans said.

A final report is expected to be presented to both districts’ boards of education at a joint meeting in mid-September. 

Following the September meeting, the school boards would individually vote in October, and if both districts pass the vote then the next step would be an Advisory Referendum, where the public would vote in favor of, or against, the merger.

Should the Advisory Referendum pass, the next vote would be the Binding Referendum, and if that vote passes, it would be the final step before the beginning of a new merged school district.

The study has been an informative source for questions regarding the possible marriage of the districts.

“The study provides information so people can make informed decisions,” Evans said.

Rumors and misconceptions about what the merger might mean, such as a loss of jobs and tax hikes, have the potential to persuade voters, so it is important to get the correct information.

“One reason that people seem to be against the merger is that they think jobs will be cut, but that is not the case,” Evans stated. “In the study, we discuss using attrition to solve staffing issues, meaning that when a vacancy opens up by retirement or a changing position, not filling it.

“Based off the data that has been collected from the past five years, the districts have had 23-26 positions change, and while the financial savings would not be realized immediately, over time the vacancies as they pop up would just not be refilled.”

When asked about the merger Evans said, “I’m hopefully optimistic that there will be support for a merger. By objectively looking at the data, there are a lot of pros and reasons why merging makes sense for both communities. In the end, we have to do what is best for the kids. Change is difficult for everyone, but we’ve shown, especially in the last few years, that we’re capable of adapting to changes.”

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