Residents of the Livingston Manor and Roscoe Central School districts voted in favor of merging the two districts through centralization during a referendum held on Thursday. The measure was approved by a vote of 351-227 in Livingston Manor and 283-106 in Roscoe.
“I am deeply grateful for the community’s support of this merger, which promises significant benefits for our students and both communities,” said John Evans, shared superintendent of the two districts. “I also want to extend my thanks to everyone who contributed to making this possible.”
In addition to approving the merger, voters addressed two ballot measures concerning the governance of the newly formed district. The community chose a seven-member Board of Education with staggered three-year terms.
Individuals interested in serving on the new board must secure placement on the ballot through a nominating petition. Details on the petition process and the official date for the board election, anticipated in February, will be shared in the near future.
Once the board is established, it will oversee the creation of the district’s operating budget for the 2025-26 school year. The budget will be presented for voter approval on May 20, 2025. Operations for the centralized district are slated to commence on July 1, 2025.
While immediate building reconfigurations are not planned, the district will begin receiving incentive aid funding upon centralization. A restructuring committee, composed of board members, administrators, faculty, staff, parents, and students, will develop recommendations for optimal grade configurations and building usage. These changes will be implemented gradually over the 2025-26 school year and beyond according to the district.
Wouldn’t mind seeing the Roscoe School used for a medical building and house all the students in the Livingston Manor building so that at least the Roscoe building can be on the tax rolls helping the tax payer. Perhaps the Roscoe building can be used for out patient services (such as dialysis, chemotherapy, physical therapy, etc.) and/or an urgent care/walk in clinic. Would promote jobs and use of a building on the tax rolls. Let the school bus company figure out the routes. Its not that big a of a township where it couldn’t be a possibility. A little over the top to have the expense of two buildings for such a small enrollment overall.