The recently formed Brocton Fredonia Citizens for Centralization is endorsing the merger of the schools with public information efforts focused on what it sees as positive educational outcomes and tax benefits. The citizens group, whose members include residents from both districts, has come together to present facts about the consolidation and the benefits to both students and taxpayers of the districts.

The group's co-chairs, Brenda Hayes of Brocton and Richard Ketcham of Fredonia, cite findings from a feasibility study conducted by the Western New York Educational Service Council (WNYESC) that a merger would result in increased opportunities for students in both districts. With declining enrollments, the group explains that costs for elective programs have become more expensive and threaten the economic ability of school districts to offer a wide range of course offerings.

According to the study, Fredonia has only half as many kindergartners as there are seniors. In Brocton, numbers are also declining. The enrollment of the two districts over the past five years has shown a decline of 7.9 percent with projections of an 8.6 percent decrease over the next seven years. When state funding shortfalls are factored in, schools begin to run out of options. The group maintains that consolidation alleviates the problem of dwindling enrollment and gives high school students in both districts access to advanced placement and JCC courses.

In addition, consolidation would permit students in both districts to participate in junior varsity and modified sports, as well as increase opportunities for all students to participate in additional sports. This year, Brocton hasn't had adequate numbers to field a football team and Fredonia has dropped to a class C division in football.

Citizens for Centralization also cite the state's fiscal crisis which will likely mean that funding for schools does not increase, but rather, remains the same. WNYESC reports that each district faces a $1 million to $1.5 million gap in their 2010-2011 budgets, due to state-mandated retirement costs and general cost increases. In Brocton, this will mean an estimated 30 percent increase in taxes, and in Fredonia, an estimated 8 percent increase. The group maintains that consolidation presents the only viable option to better manage costs, contain tax increases, and improve educational opportunities.

Ketcham said, "There will be a significant tax increase, especially in Brocton, without the consolidation, and there will be a decrease in taxes if the consolidation is approved. Referencing the boards' recent approval of the Option 2 housing configuration, he added, "According to the study, we should see a decrease in the tax levy of approximately 9.3 percent if the consolidation is approved."

Hayes said, "The legislation grants the new merged district $31 million over 15 years in incentive aid, above the regular aid. A big point was made at the last meeting in Brocton that the $31 million is written into law in New York state and cannot be eliminated by someone's whim."

The study on the Brocton/Fredonia merger was conducted by WNYESC, a non-profit educational organization chartered in 1966 by the Regents of the State of New York to serve public and private schools in all eight counties in Western New York. The study may be viewed by going to www.broctoncsd.org or www.fredonia.wnyric.org.

The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce also endorses the consolidation of the two districts, citing educational and tax benefits. Individuals interested in assisting the Brocton Fredonia Citizens for Centralization may email the group at: yesforeducation@yahoo.com.