The application for the feasibility grant for possible shared services and mergers is different and a little more complicated than local school districts had anticipated.
Middleburgh, Schoharie and Cobleskill-Richmondville are seeking a grant to study the feasibility of shared services and possible mergers between the school districts. Berne-Knox, Duanesburg and Jefferson have been invited to join the study.
MCS will be the lead agency on applying for the state grant, Superintendent Michele Weaver said last week.
Unlike prior applications, Ms. Weaver said the form must include some specifics.
The district has to decide on a purpose for the study, such as dissolution, merger or shared services, she said. There also has to be a projected cost savings.
The district has until March 22 to apply for the grant. The grant results will be announced in August.
Each district could be awarded $25,000 on the grant for a total of $200,000 for all the districts.
There will be about $4 million available statewide for the grants.
The districts had to contribute 10 percent of the cost but districts can get BOCES aid back on their cost.
Ms. Weaver said she found out last week that the grant will be different this year and will have more information at the next school board meeting.