Mayfield and
Northville narrow focus
of merger process
June 20, 2012
Merger Q&A | Ask a question about the proposed merger
During their regular meeting on Thursday, June 14, members of the Northville Board of Education unanimously passed a resolution that removes what was known as “option 1” from consideration in the district’s merger talks with Mayfield Central Schools. The Mayfield board passed a similar resolution during their meeting on Tuesday, June 19.
According the merger study completed by the districts’ consultants, the SES Study Team, “option 1” would have called for an initial increase in school taxes for Northville residents. Under “option 2,” the only merger roadmap now under consideration in Northville, there would likely be no tax increase in either community in the first year of a merged school district.
“The simple truth is, although option 1 was very attractive, our communities likely wouldn’t have supported it,” said Northville Superintendent Kathy Dougherty. “The roadmap outlined by option 2 would still lead to a merged school district that could offer more than either district could on its own, but would be much more affordable to our taxpayers.”
During community forums on June 18 and 20, residents of both communities will consider the possible merger under the roadmap outlined under “option 2” in the merger study. Following a brief presentation by district leaders, forum participants will discuss the pros and cons of a merger in small groups.
“The only question both communities really need to consider is whether or not merging the schools is the right thing to do,” said Mayfield Superintendent Paul G. Williamsen.
If residents in both communities vote in favor of a merger in both an advisory (“straw vote”) and binding referendum this fall, the districts will prepare to begin operating as a merged district on July 1, 2013. However, final decisions regarding the inaugural budget of the merged district and the programs offered by the district would be left up to the new district’s first board of education, which would be elected in January.
The forum on Monday, June 18, will take place in the Mayfield Jr./Sr. High School auditorium, and the forum on Wednesday, June 20, will be held the Northville auditorium. Both forums will begin at 6:30 p.m. Prior to each forum, guided tours of the host schools will be offered, starting at 5:30 p.m. Residents of both communities are invited to attend either or both forums.
Residents are encouraged to RSVP for the June 18 and 20 forums by calling (518) 954-2640 or emailing mkelley@gw.neric.org. Although pre-registration is not required to participate in either forum, it is helpful for planning purposes. When registering, please provide the date(s) of the forum(s) you plan to attend, your daytime phone number and email address. The districts will use your email address to keep you informed about the merger discussion process. Your phone number will only be used if there is a last-minute change regarding the time or place of the forum(s) you plan to attend.