Dear Community Members,
On August 11, 2025, the Boards of Education for both the Deposit and Hancock Central School Districts each voted, independently and unanimously, to move forward with a merger feasibility study. This study will help us decide if joining our two districts would benefit our students and communities.
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) will provide up to $100,000 to help pay for the study. Any remaining costs will be split evenly between the two districts. Because both boards voted in favor, the study will begin this fall.
The study will:
• Review district data, including enrollment, staffing, facilities, finances, and programs
• Look at the possible benefits and challenges of merging
• Show how a merged district might work, including transportation and facility use
• Gather input from people from both districts to ensure a broad range of voices are heard
Both districts will get the same information at the same time. Updates will be shared on district websites, in newsletters, and at public meetings. Community members will have many chances to ask questions and share their thoughts.
Deposit/Hancock Reorganization Timeline - 16-24 month process
August 11, 2025: Both Boards voted to undergo a feasibility study
October 2025: Feasibility study begins
April 2026: Draft report will be submitted to the State Education Department for review
Summer 2026: Final draft of the study is presented to both Boards of Education
Fall/Winter 2026: Boards resolve to continue the process
Public meetings and info-sessions take place
Petition in each district to gauge public support
Late Winter/Early Spring 2027: Statutory Vote takes place
July 1, 2027: With a positive vote - Earliest date a new district can begin operating
This process is about facts, transparency, and making sure that any decision about our future is informed and centered on what is best for students. All information will be posted to the websites for both districts.
We look forward to working together and hearing from you as we begin this important work. For more information about the merger study timeline and previous meetings, visit our District website.
Deposit CSD: https://www.depositcsd.org/Deposit-HancockMergerStudy.aspx
Hancock CSD: https://www.hancock.stier.org/page/deposit-hancock-merger-study
Sincerely,
Denise Cook
Superintendent, Deposit Central School District
Lori Asquith
Superintendent, Hancock Central School District
Rebecca Stone
District Superintendent, Broome-Tioga BOCES
Michael Rullo
District Superintendent, Delaware-Chenango-Madison-Otsego BOCES