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Making the most of merger

Posted 1/14/25

R eeling off of the most recent meeting last Thursday regarding the ongoing merger process between the waning Livingston Manor Central and Roscoe Central school districts, the path ahead was made …

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Making the most of merger

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Reeling off of the most recent meeting last Thursday regarding the ongoing merger process between the waning Livingston Manor Central and Roscoe Central school districts, the path ahead was made more clear but also extremely more hefty, as the decisions yet to be made will determine the identity and function of an entire school district. 

Seven individuals, who have only just a few weeks to collect at least 25 signatures of qualified residents, will be entrusted with decisions that include not only the name of the district, but so much more that will directly impact the lives of staff, teachers, residents, parents, and of course, the students. It is no light task. 

Some residents at that meeting expressed their frustration with the process, which was both backed and criticized by Superintendent John Evans. This is a sentiment that is shared by many, including the Democrat. However, we trust that the system put in place by the State Education Dept.will work, as it has for other mergers across the state before this one.

In an open letter to those Rockland residents who vie for candidacy in these next few days, we trust that you will work to ensure all the checks on their list are marked off correctly and fairly. 

We are also excited to see all the changes yet to come and how this new district will provide opportunities for the students which the separate districts could not. 

As for the upcoming name, may we humbly suggest the official name be something similar to that of the “Rockland Central School District.” Due to the historical, almost-sibling-like, relationship between the two schools, this merger surely steps on the toes of a few who hold deep pride for their former district. 

This all-encompassing name would certainly pay tribute to both schools and identify the district’s location. Plus, it is certainly shorter to write and speak that than the working title – Livingston Manor-Roscoe Central School District.

Our suggestions for the time being stop there. This is the time for the Rockland community to fully commit to the future and elect a new school board who will shape that budding future. 

Best of luck to all those involved with this continuing process!

We can’t wait to see what is to come.

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