November 21 – Margaretville Central School advertises a new regionalization project.
According to a press release, the school, part of the ONC BOCES region, “is embarking on a transformative journey aligned with the New York State Education Department’s Regionalization Initiative.”
Under the leadership of ONC BOCES District Superintendent Catherine Huber, the release said, “early discussions have begun around regionalization, positioning Margaretville and its neighboring districts to collaborate and provide equal access to expanded opportunities for students. This initiative aims to equity, resource sharing, and educational enrichment in New York school districts.”
The regionalization initiative began in January 2023, when a proposed budget amendment threatened the financial stability of more than 300 school districts, including Margaretville, the release said. “Faced with the potential elimination of key funding safeguards, districts have taken a hard look at planning, staffing and resource sharing opportunities,” the press release continued. “This collaborative approach not only addresses the immediate budget concerns, but also addresses the deeper issue of educational inequality across the state, while respecting local autonomy.”
Areas of focus in the regionalization plan include:
– Advanced Placement Courses: Students in Margaretville now have access to a range of Advanced Placement courses, including math, art, history and English, through the use of American Rescue Plan Funds. This expanded access enables students to meet rigorous academic challenges and prepares them for college-level work, ensuring equal opportunity regardless of district size or resources.
– Regional Industry Partnerships: School Principal Michelle Osterhoudt said she is actively pursuing a partnership with Margaretville Hospital to offer courses for Emergency Medical Technicians and Certified Nursing Assistant certifications. “This initiative is designed to meet the needs of the local workforce while preparing students for meaningful careers in healthcare,” the release said. Additionally, internships at local businesses such as Margaretville Hospital and Margaretville Telephone Company “provide students with practical skills that will enable them to secure high-paying jobs right out of high school,” according to the press release.
-Shared services for support staff: In partnership with a neighboring district, Margaretville now shares a school psychologist, “improving access to critical emotional and psychological support for students,” the release said. “This shared service model meets the growing need for timely testing services for the Committee on Special Education, providing students with the necessary support to manage academic and personal challenges.”
-Shared staff: Margaretville and neighboring districts regularly collaborate on transportation and special programs tailored to student needs, the release said. One initiative is the 8:1:1 Special Education class, designed for middle school students preparing to transition to high school, and provides individualized instruction and support for those participating in the New York State Alternate Assessments.
– Scope of subject areas: Students at Margaretville can explore “a broad spectrum of academic areas,” according to the release, including STEM fields, literacy and creative arts.
—Extracurricular Activities: Through regional partnerships, Margaretville students can participate in a variety of extracurricular activities in sports, the arts and community service. Current initiatives include internships with local businesses and upcoming offerings of financial literacy courses for students, faculty, staff and community members.
Margaretville Central School’s involvement in New York’s regionalization initiative “is an example of the power of local control combined with regional collaboration,” the press release said. “With continued support from ONC BOCES and its constituent districts, under the leadership of Dr. Catherine Huber, Margaretville is poised to become a model of regional innovation.”
Osterhoudt said, “I want to be in control of our narrative, and I want to have a say in what regionalization looks like in our area. To do that, we need to get ahead of the curve and focus on the six areas now. time to innovate, and now is the time to create equal opportunities for our students.”
For more information about Margaretville Central School and its initiatives, visit www.margaretvillecs.org.
