Editorial: Vote yes on Southampton-Tuckahoe merger
Residents who want Southampton and Tuckahoe schools to merge made emotional appeals for the districts to unite during a meeting of about 75 residents. Pictured is the exterior of Tuckahoe Common School on Magee Street in Southampton on Sept. 19, 2013. Credit: Randee Daddona
It's back to the polls for residents of Southampton and Tuckahoe, who will vote again Tuesday on a proposed merger of their school districts. Tax implications for Southampton residents scuttled the first attempt at consolidation in October 2013. Since then, state officials have acted to ease those consequences. So we'll say once more what we said last fall: Make this merger happen.
The proposed consolidation makes sense in many ways. Financially, each district would be in trouble without a merger; combined, they'd save $4 million a year. Educationally, early childhood programs would be stronger and students would have more class and extracurricular choices. Socially, the districts' demographics are similar and many students already participate together in outside sports, scouts and youth center programs. No new buildings or major renovations would be needed.
Merger foes harped last time on the tax increase for Southampton residents, now estimated at $330 on a $1-million house. The state responded with a budget amendment that allows the hike to be spread out over 10 years and with legislation that further softens the increase by letting Southampton tap an $8.2-million reserve fund set up for construction. Tuckahoe's taxes would fall dramatically, as tax rates equalize.
Tuesday's straw vote would place the merger on a formal ballot early next year. Supporters are better organized and more vocal this time around. With other districts contemplating consolidation and watching this effort closely, Southampton and Tuckahoe can provide a template for the future while doing the right thing for themselves. It's time to approve this merger.
