Shared services are often talked about between neighboring communities, but the idea has become a reality for two local school districts.
The Richfield Springs Central School District will be sending its wrestling athletes to participate on the team fielded by the Mohawk Central School District for the next three years.
The Mohawk Board of Education discussed the agreement at its Monday meeting and Superintendent Joyce Caputo asked the board whether the district should look into shared services further.
“To be fiscally conservative and do more items, we’d like to move forward with Richfield Springs and have the boards meet for other interests,” said Caputo, who added equipment and other areas could potentially be shared.
Board President John Pickett said in these tough fiscal times, the board needs to look at other ways and options to cut costs.
“We could maybe share more teams because it keeps the sport going,” said Pickett, who added the board needs to look long term, three to five years down the road, when making these decisions.
Board member Vincent Casale said he has been talking about shared services since his first day on the board but it has often been difficult to find willing participants.
“This may open the door to other neighboring districts as well,” said Casale.
Caputo said the easiest positions to share are administration positions, such as if someone retires or leaves. She said she would bring up the topic at an upcoming meeting with other school officials.
Richfield Assistant Principal and Athletic Director TheriJo Climenhaga said six to eight wrestlers from the district will be grandfathered into the agreement.
According to Climenhaga, the agreement will last for three years so that those involved in the current program can continue to wrestle. She added that could change in the future.
Climenhaga said wrestling is the only sport right now which will be merged, but other sports are being considered.
Mohawk, N.Y. —
