BUFFALO, N.Y. — Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz presented a comprehensive study Monday calling on all 32 district leaders to explore sharing services and reducing costs. He outlined three hypothetical consolidations:
- Eden and North Collins
- Alden and Akron
- All districts in Cheektowaga
He says those alone would save millions in administrative costs, as enrollment steadily declines.
Poloncarz encouraged districts to take advantage of a 40 percent state aid increase, and a 30 percent hike in building aid.
“That is millions and millions of additional dollars that could be provided to local school districts to help defray any costs that may exist as the result of a consolidation," said Poloncarz (D) said.
Poloncarz says he's convening a shared services panel discussion for all school districts, superintendents and school board presidents sometime this summer.