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By MICHAEL RUKAVINA OBSERVER Staff Writer Dinner table discussion around the holidays can vary, but a topic specific to the Fredonia-Brocton area may have been in regard to the upcoming centralization straw vote taking place on Dec. 15. Signs showing support for or against have begun sprouting up throughout the area. The Save Our School Organization (S.O.S.) recently presented the stance firmly against the proposed merger of Brocton and Fredonia schools and now have signage available to spread the group’s feelings. More recently, “Vote Yes” signs have begun to pop up, with a few in the Fredonia area. Former Fredonia Mayor Frank Pagano has a “vote yes” sign on his front lawn and in front of his business. “Both school districts are seriously decreasing in size and eventually if they don’t do something, the tax rates are going to go up substantially, I believe,” Pagano said as to why he is in support of centralization. “I know it’s a matter of pride in both Fredonia and Brocton to have their own school system, but this affects more than just pride; it affects our businesses who have to pay these taxes and where people in these districts work that may be forced out of business because the taxes are getting so high.” Pagano added that school taxes absorb over 50 percent on a tax bill. No matter what the housing configuration or future for each school district is, Pagano feels the best place to start is with the highest tax bill in the county. “I know there’s a matter of opinion and I haven’t really objected because I haven’t had an opinion on what schools should stay open and what schools shouldn’t stay open, but I think both school boards have been upfront and honest with the public. They’ve discussed it thoroughly,” he said. “Whether talking about villages merging and the county cutting back, the real big expense is to the school district and that’s where it needs to start.” I would hope people weigh both sides of the issue, think about the jobs that may be lost because of the increased taxes and how this is going to affect normal people’s household income, and think about it thoroughly and vote according to your conscience I guess.” Vote yes signs are available at the Fredonia Pennysaver, and according to Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce President/CEO, Todd Tranum, are a product of the Brocton-Fredonia Citizens for Centralization committee. “We have been working with the citizens groups,” Tranum said. “We certainly do support the centralization because we feel its in the best interest of the kids in giving them the best possible educational opportunities, as well as an opportunity to lower taxes, making a better position for economic development and growth.” Save our School members feel the opposite and see no expanded opportunities for their children, and doubt any tax relief under the plan. “There has been no guarantee that any money will be available from the state in the event of a merger,” the group stated. “When considering the educational experiences for Brocton children, we feel confident that Brocton Central School already provides students with not only a sound academic experience, but programs and extra-curriculars that give opportunities for all students to participate. Advanced level classes are available through our distance learning lab and in conjunction with local colleges. We feel Brocton students have nothing to gain and much to lose if they are forced to be bussed into a much larger district.” For more information on either side of the table the S.O.S. Committee is chaired by Steve Smith and Kristen Zappie, who can be reached at no.merger.bcs@gmail.com. The Brocton-Fredonia Citizens for Centralization committee is co-chaired by Richard Ketcham of Fredonia and Brenda Hayes of Brocton, who can be reached at yesforeducation@yahoo.com. Comments on this article may be sent to mrukavina@observertoday.com

 

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