Schenevus Central School won’t be merging with neighboring Worcester.
In a second public election last Wednesday, Schenevus residents rejected the proposed annexation merger 472-213.
State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa ordered the special vote after residents filed a petition seeking the election.
Worcester and Schenevus voters cast ballots on a merger in December 2021, with Worcester approving the merger but Schenevus rejecting it, 509-254.
The law allows a re-vote at least one year and one day after the 2021 vote, and that’s what last Wednesday’s election was.
Interim Schenevus Superintendent Jeff Bennett said his district will proceed as is.
“We’ll continue to provide a great education for our kids,” he said after Wednesday’s election.
Funding remains an issue for small rural districts, and Schenevus is no exception. Money was an issue in the 2021 merger vote, and money is still a concern.
“Any spending we do, we make absolutely sure we need it,” Mr. Bennett said.
As of last June 30, he added, Schenevus’ fund balance––money in savings and available for the budget––stood at $2.5 million.
In a letter to residents, Worcester Superintendent Tim Gonzales was confident about the district’s future.
“While merging would have provided definite short-term and long-term advantages, we have absolutely no financial or academic reason where we must merge with another school district,” Mr. Gonzales wrote.