When any schools talk about consolidation or merger, loyalties immediately cause all kind of entanglements.
Questions arise from parents, students and staff about jobs, programs, building closures, sport teams, school colors and more.
So it took more than a little courage for leaders at Ticonderoga and Crown Point school districts to seek a $45,000 State Local Government Efficiency Grant that would recommend whether they should consolidate.
The two schools — both with students in grades kindergarten through 12 — are located only about 10 miles apart.
Both schools face declining enrollments. Ten years ago, Crown Point had about 350 students; it now has 280. Ticonderoga went from 1,100 students then to 900 now. The drop in students isn't unique to those schools; many districts in the North Country have seen similar declines.
Those two factors — proximity and fewer students — are indicators that the districts would be wise to consider whether joining together would make them a stronger entity.
And money is an even bigger incentive. Ticonderoga is by far the bigger district, with a 2011-12 budget of $18.99 million; Crown Point's spending plan is $6.08 million. Like every other district in the area, they have been faced with reduced state aid, increasing mandated expenses and a growing reluctance by taxpayers to spend more.
Crown Point Central School has already taken some steps toward cooperation with Ticonderoga. When budget cuts at Crown Point meant it could no longer offered advanced courses for its students, an agreement was worked out with Ticonderoga High School so Crown Point kids could attend the Regents physics class in Ti.
Ticonderoga Superintendent John McDonald Jr. and Crown Point Superintendent Shari Brannock are sure to face criticism and resentment as they explore the more drastic ideas of merging or consolidating, especially if it will involve any building closures.
But they and their school boards are doing the right thing for their constituents. If the numbers show it to be a beneficial arrangement, the schools would be strengthened by combining their best assets.
If the grant comes through, the public would be fully involved in the process, from community committees to the final decisions on whether any consolidation ever happens.
We would urge all district stakeholders to hold off on the natural feeling of panic; let the process unfold and see what the study shows.
That area has seen good come from this kind of situation before. In 1967, Mineville and Port Henry schools merged to become Moriah Central School, and in 1979, Hague Central School District was annexed to Ticonderoga. The results were improved educational environments.
Both Ticonderoga and Crown Point have had to cope with tax hikes, staff cuts and pay freezes in recent years.
A study of merger brings hope of a stronger future for both schools — and that would mean a better education for students in both communities.
