Leaders from Williamson and Marion school districts have decided not to move forward with an official merger study for now, instead turning their attention to exploring shared services and collaboration.
In a letter released Thursday, the Williamson Central School District Board of Education said recent discussions with Marion were rooted in two priorities: expanding student opportunities and ensuring fiscal responsibility. While the boards remain committed to working together, they have “jointly decided not to proceed with an official merger study at this time.”
The decision comes as both districts prepare to schedule a joint meeting in the next two to three weeks. The goal is to consider hiring a consultant to conduct a more targeted study focused specifically on shared services and areas of potential collaboration. Officials say this approach would allow them to tailor the study to the exact needs of both communities.
“We are grateful to Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES for their support as we navigated this important and complex discussion,” the letter stated.
The announcement was signed by all five members of the Williamson Board of Education, including President Jamie Sonneville and Vice President Angela DeFisher.
District leaders emphasized that student achievement will remain the central focus of any future partnership between the two school systems.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to news@fingerlakes1.com.