The Bradford and Campbell-Savona school districts are once again exploring the possibility of combining into one district.
In a joint letter shared with residents, both Boards of Education announced they have approved a joint feasibility study to gather detailed information about what a merger could mean for students, staff, and taxpayers.
District leaders say both systems rely heavily on state aid to operate. In recent years, they say slower increases and reductions in state funding have created budget pressures, forcing tough decisions about programs and leading to higher local tax levies.
The study will look at the potential educational, financial, operational, and community impacts of merging. That includes academic offerings, staffing levels, transportation, facilities, and possible tax changes.
Officials emphasized that approving the study does not mean a merger has been decided. Instead, they say it’s meant to provide objective data and allow for public input before any decisions are made. The results will be shared publicly once complete. Any merger would still require further board action and voter approval in both districts.
Bradford has also had merger talks with the Watkins Glen Central School District, with discussions beginning in 2024 and becoming more formal last fall.
This is not the first time Bradford and Campbell-Savona have considered consolidation. Bradford voters rejected a merger in the 1990s and later approved one in 2005. However, that decision was overturned after it was discovered that Campbell-Savona had an undisclosed budget deficit of nearly $1 million at the time of the vote.
District officials say more details about timelines, public meetings, and opportunities for community feedback will be shared in the coming months.
