CHENANGO COUNTY – The Commission on Property Tax Relief released its final report last week, calling for state mandates that would force consolidation for schools with less than 1,000 students.

In Chenango County, three of the county’s nine districts fall into that category: Afton, Otselic Valley and Oxford. In addition, the commission recommended the Commissioner of Education be granted the “discretional authority” to order consolidation of schools with less than 2,000 students, which would include all of the remaining Chenango County school districts, with the exception of Norwich.

According to the Commission’s report, “As a first step in determining where and how these recommended consolidations should occur, the State Education Department should undertake reviews that examine school districts under objective standards based on pupil enrollment trends, geography, breadth of educational programs, potential fiscal savings and level of tax burden.”

Otselic Valley Superintendent Larry Thomas, whose district educates approximately 480 students, said he wants to wait to see how the governor reacts to these recommendations. “I understand the need to look at every possible option in every area.”

“These are tough times, and there are many different ways this could go,” Thomas said. Over the past year, Otselic Valley has also been discussing a major building project. Thomas said the commission’s recommendations may determine how the district chooses to move forward.

While Thomas acknowledged the property tax burden, he did not agree consolidation of smaller schools was the best course of action. “I have mixed feelings. I understand what they are saying, but I don’t agree with it.” The superintendent explained that his district encompasses between 105 to 110 square miles. “If you merged, that would create a district that was 200 to 250 square miles. The idea of elementary kids on the bus for 90 minutes, each way, every day is tough to swallow.”

Oxford Superintendent Randall Squier seemed somewhat more open to the possibility of consolidating districts. “I understand that the state is looking at ways to lessen the tax burden on New York State residents,” Squier said. He explained that consolidation would be a difficult and emotional process for districts and residents, but said he was open to looking at it.