St. Lawrence Co. school district study possible merger

COLTON, New York (WWNY) - The Colton-Pierrepont and Parishville-Hopkinton school districts could soon join forces. Each district has a graduating class of around 30 students, and the two are a 15-minute drive apart.

An optimization study is underway. Any merger would need voter approval.

Districts cite financial challenges

Jennifer McKinley, superintendent of the Colton-Pierrepont Central School District, said both districts face financial challenges.

“Our school districts continue to face financial challenges, both in Parishville-Hopkinton and Colton-Pierrepont, and we want to position ourselves in a good spot to mitigate our financial stressors and also be able to continue to provide lots of opportunities for our students,” McKinley said.

What the study covers

Consultants are taking a top-to-bottom look at both districts and will recommend a path forward. That could mean sharing services, a full merger or no changes at all.

McKinley said the study is not about cutting jobs. If the districts merged, they would use both buildings instead of building a new one. A merger could also bring in more state dollars.

“The state is incentivizing reorganization between districts currently, and with that there’s incentive aid that would be provided to the new district to be used over the span of 14 years,” McKinley said.

New name, mascot and colors

A merger would bring a new name, mascot and colors. The new district would cover 471 square miles, making it one of the largest in the state by area. That is a concern when calling snow days.

“That’s a lot of geography and weather to predict and have foresight into making the right call,” McKinley said.

Community input

The districts want community input. The next forum is Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. at Parishville-Hopkinton.

More information about the study is available on each district’s website.