FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hancock Central School District Provides Update on Merger Study Process

— The Hancock Central School District Board of Education met on August 11, 2026, and motioned to reconsider opening the discussion on whether to move forward with a non-binding community straw vote regarding the possible reorganization of the Hancock and Deposit Central School Districts.

The motion resulted in a 2–2 vote and therefore failed. As a result, the merger study process was not discussed and will not advance to a community straw vote at this time.

The Deposit and Hancock Central School Districts began discussions regarding a possible merger study in March 2025. The purpose of the study was to determine whether consolidation of the two districts could be educationally, operationally, and financially feasible.

Over the course of the study, information was gathered and presented regarding enrollment, educational programming, staffing, transportation, facilities, governance, and financial implications. Community members were also provided opportunities to participate through surveys, meetings, presentations, and public discussion.

The final merger study was presented to both Boards of Education and communities on June 9, 2026. Additional meetings followed to provide Board members and the public with opportunities to review the findings and ask questions, including a joint meeting on August 6 focused on the financial implications of a potential merger.

At the August 6 meeting, the Deposit Board of Education unanimously approved moving forward with a non-binding straw vote to determine community sentiment regarding a possible merger.

The Hancock Board of Education also considered a motion to proceed with a straw vote. That motion did not receive the votes necessary to pass.

Following guidance from the New York State Education Department that the matter could be reconsidered at a subsequent meeting, the Hancock Board placed the motion to reconsider  discussion on its August 11 agenda and the vote resulted in a 2–2 tie, and the motion did not pass.

Because both districts would need to move forward in order for the process to continue, there will not be a straw vote at this time.

The Hancock Board of Education's vote reflects the decision of the Board through its established governance process. The District recognizes that community members may have differing perspectives regarding both a potential merger and whether the process should have advanced to a straw vote.

The District appreciates the time and participation of community members, staff, students, Board members, administrators, consultants, and representatives from the New York State Education Department who contributed information, questions, and perspectives throughout the study.

While the merger study will not move forward to the next phase at this time, the information developed through the process remains valuable to the District. The enrollment, staffing, financial, transportation, programming, and long-term sustainability issues examined through the study will continue to inform future planning and decision-making.

The Hancock Central School District remains focused on providing strong educational opportunities for its students while responsibly considering the long-term needs of the District, its families, and the community.

Hancock Central School Board of Education