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Merger Feasibility Study will examine many areas
The intent of the merger feasibility study is to determine if the
instructional opportunity would be enhanced for all students at a
similar or reduced cost to taxpayers by combining the two districts.
As part of the merger feasibility study process between Ripley Central
School and Westfield Academy and Central School, a Feasibility
Committee on Merger has been formed. The committee is composed of 12
members of each school community. The members of this Feasibility
Committee have been appointed by the respective Boards of Education.
The Feasibility Committee is charged with seven tasks.
The Role of the Feasibility Committee
1. Check facts and assumptions of consultants
2. Provide local knowledge
3. Problem-solve as Committee-of-the-Whole
4. Review work of subcommittees
5. Make recommendations for each piece of the study
6. Make recommendation to Boards of Education relative to straw vote
7. Serve as a source of and conduit for public information
The Merger Feasibility Study will examine several components, including:
1. Governance
a. Ramifications of Consolidation
b. Board of Education Representation
2. Finance
a. Operating Aid
b. Building Aid
c. Long Range Financial Management
d. Tax Rate Projections
e. Debt Issues
3. Personnel
a. Current Staff Utilization
b. Administrative Structure
c. Combined Staff Issues
d. Legal Rights
e. Bargaining Agreements
4. Pupil Enrollment
a. Classes per Grade Level
b. Grouping
c. Current Configurations
d. Cohort Survival Projections
5. Facilities
a. Current Usage, Age,Condition
b. Code Requirements
c. Desired/Recommended Improvements
d. Recommended/Optimal Combined Use
e. Alterations for Recommended Use
6. Transportation
a. Review of Existing Policies
b. Examination of Existing Fleets
c. Examination of Existing Facilities and Staffing
d. Recommended Procedures Required to Transport Children to Newly Configured District
e. Equipment, Staff and Facilities to Achieve Recommended Procedures
7. Instructional Programs for Children
a. Review of Current k-12 offerings
b. Areas of Strength
c. Areas of Recommended Enhancement
d. Program Offerings in Consolidated Districts
8. Co-Curricular Offerings
a. Activities Currently Available Within Each District
b. Recommended Offerings for Combined District
c. Staff and Facilities Available/Required to Support Recommended Offerings
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