Written by: Todd Tranum
11/16/2009 12:21 PM 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Richard Ketcham:  672-4868
Brenda Hayes: 785-3555

Editorial:  Let’s Go Forward with Centralization

In the next few weeks, residents of the Fredonia and Brocton School districts will participate in a straw poll to decide whether to go forward with a vote for centralization. While there are many issues residents must consider, most would say that preservation and growth of educational opportunities is their primary concern, second only to the control of property tax rates.  

Central to both of these issues is the fact that the student population is declining in both districts. The feasibility study conducted by the Western New York Education Service Council (WNYESC) revealed that the combined enrollments of the two districts over the past five years showed a decline of 7.9%; this decline is projected to increase to 8.6% over the next seven years.  In Fredonia this year, there are only half as many kindergarteners as there are seniors.  Brocton also shows a continued decline.

Failure to achieve what is considered in education as “optimum” numbers of students means that costs cannot be spread over greater numbers and result in higher unit costs.  The effect is elective programs are more expensive and are threatened due to the inability of the districts to offer the greater selection of courses without an increase in taxes.

Recently, the school boards approved the Option 2 housing configuration.  Outlined in the WNYSEC study, this option allows students in grades K-5 (both schools) to remain at their current districts, and calls for the closing of the Wheelock school. All students in grades 6-8 would be housed at Brocton and all 9-12 students will be in Fredonia.           

According to the study, consolidating the middle and high schools will provide increased educational program opportunities such as college level programs, (AP, JCC, Fredonia State and other colleges), electives and music for students at both districts.   

Furthermore, the report also showed increased opportunities for students in both districts to participate in JV and modified sports. And while there will be an increase in student competition for participation in some sports, there will also be more opportunities for all students to take part in other sports such as track, swimming, bowling, boy’s volleyball and golf.

State financial incentives for a merged district are clear. The report estimates that the merged district will receive approximately $30.6 million in reorganization incentive aid over 14 years.  Based on the current Foundation Aid formula, the consolidated district would also qualify for $100,000 in additional Foundation Aid.

Tax implications for failure to consolidate are also clear. If the districts fail to centralize, taxes will increase 30% in Brocton and 8% in Fredonia. This is a result of declining enrollments state aid not keeping pace with expenditures. If the citizens of the districts vote yes for centralization taxes will decrease. The study estimates a decrease in the tax levy of approximately 9.3%, if the centralization is approved.     

The problem will only grow worse without change.  It’s time we consider the current realities facing our districts and go forward with a vote for centralization.  Without exception, it is a yes to improve the quality of education while controlling the ever-spiraling tax burden.

Brenda Hayes, Co-Chair
Richard Ketcham Co-Chair
Fredonia-Brocton Citizens for Centralization

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