Community Forum Focuses on HCS' Future, Merger

RFH 2010, Cover Stories, 1 + 1 = 1: HCS, MECS Merger

Tue, Mar 01, 2011

About 60 people attended a meeting at the Hamilton Public Library Monday night to discuss the future of HCS, and to learn more about and consider alternatives to a possible merger with Morrisville-Eaton Central Schools (MECS). It was organized by Georgia Frank, Ferdinand von Muench, Phil George and Ken Bausch independent of the school district.

In opening the meeting, George, who works in the advancement office of Colgate, said he hoped this was the first of many such gatherings to exchange information and discuss ways to help HCS meet its looming budget challenges and continue to provide an excellent academic experience to students.

The clear sentiment at the meeting was one of concern -- almost skepticism -- about the potential merger the school boards of both HCS and MECS recently voted to study. A PowerPoint presentation distributed at the meeting and posted on a website said:

"We are a group of concerned parents, residents and other community members who feel further public discussion on this topic is needed as a merger would forever change the community, well beyond the 14 year time frame we are being told we will receive enhanced funding."

Several people expressed concern about the possible loss of a school in the community.

Kirsten Weyter, an artist who graduated from HCS and Colgate, said she worries about the loss of a school in Hamilton. She cited "the kind of blight you see in Earlville and Smyrna because of consolidation" as a concern if Hamilton were to eventually see its school close. Weyter, who returned to Hamilton after working in New York City, also worries about declining property values and that Hamilton might be a less attractive place to live should HCS merge.

Dr. Diana Bowers, HCS' superintendent was in the audience at the meeting. She said she had spent the day in Albany at the state Education Department and "the conversation there is not about education and students and that saddens me."

Bowers also reminded people at the meeting that "consolidation is an option, not necessarily the option." She said that she and the school board felt obliged to present all options to the community could make an informed decision.

HCS is in the midst of preparing its 2011-2012 budget, which school district residents will vote on May 17. (See complete budget calendar.) Bowers said HCS expects to lost 13.5 percent of its state aid or about $500,000. And, if the governor changes how state aid is apportioned, HCS could be another $130,000 poorer.

Bowers said that between six and eight administrative and teaching positions could be eliminated.

Also at Monday's meeting was Ellen Kraly, director of Colgate's Upstate Institute. She said the institute was helping to compile information on school budgets and consolidation, posting it on its website. She said school finances and mergers are of concern for the entire Central new York region and others may learn from Hamilton's experience. Kraly said the institute could also bring speakers to the community to offer insight into the issues.

Also at the meeting were, among others, Mayor Sue McVaugh, village trustees Margaret Miller and Suzanne Collins; school board members Ingrid Hale and Molly Johnson; HCS business official Matt Crumb; several HCS teachers and coaches; Town of Hamilton board member Carolyn Todd

In adjourning the meeting, Phil George called it a starting point. He said another meeting would be held and urged people to come prepared to propose specific ideas. George also said the group's website would provide a way to collect and exchange information and ideas.

No date was set for the next meeting.

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