Proposed merger with Fort Edward and South Glens Fall ends
A proposed acquisition merger between the South Glens Falls Central School District and the Fort Edward Union Free School will not be moving forward following two board meetings Wednesday.
The Fort Edward board voted against sending the merger plan to a public vote in a 4 to 5 vote. The South Glens Falls board of education voted for 9 to 0. The proposal needed both boards to approve sending the matter to a “straw vote,” or advisory referendum.
“I appreciate that our Board of Education voted to take this important topic to our residents. Any proposal this crucial should be decided by our voters.” said South Glens Falls Superintendent Kristine Orr. “While the district was prepared to move forward with this work, we understand that now was just not the right time to proceed.”
“We would like to thank South Glens Falls for their assistance and support through the process. It was reassuring to have a neighboring district reach out and help us through the research and consideration of supporting our school. I would like to thank SGF Superintendent Kristine Orr and SGF school board President William Elder, along with the South Glens Falls board, for their efforts. I would also like to recognize all that gave so much time and effort in serving on the committees especially while dealing with COVID limitations and obstacles. I would commend the board for all of the work in sifting through the data as well as listening to various stakeholders to make the decision they felt was in the best interest of the district,” said Thomas Roche, Fort Edward Board President.
“Now we, the Faculty, Administration, the Board and the community will move forward to plan for future budgets, policies and initiatives to ensure the children of Fort Edward receive the best we can provide.” Said Mark Bessen Fort Edward Superintendent
South Glens Falls and Fort Edward boards of education, administration and staff also wish to thank Castillo & Silky Education Consultants LLC for their work on the merger study. We also extend our thanks to the merger study committee for the work they have done in preparing for this step.