Glens Falls City School District considers Abraham Wing merger

Prefer us on Google Learn More Facebook Twitter Bluesky WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save GLENS FALLS - It’s been tried before, but Glens Falls City School District officials are wondering if perhaps the time is right to try again. The district is floating the idea of merging with Abraham Wing Elementary School, which is formally known as the Glens Falls Common School District. Abraham Wing is currently run independently, with its own school board and superintendent. But a potential merger could result in Abraham Wing being absorbed by the city school district. In 2013, Abraham Wing voters soundly rejected a proposed merger , 248 to 74. As previously reported by The Post-Star, the major issue at the time was school taxes. A study conducted in 2013 showed that a merger would increase property taxes for Abraham Wing district residents, but decrease taxes for city school district residents. People are also reading… Whitehall woman pleads guilty to criminally negligent homicide Pharmaceutical testing lab to replace Angio at Glens Falls site Saratoga County couple arrested on firearms and narcotics charges VT man arrested in alleged attempted burglary in Washington County South Glens Falls student arrested after alleged water bottle assault Saratoga County man arraigned in child sexual abuse images case Corinth woman arrested after alleged identity theft last summer Queensbury trio headlines Section II Cross Country Championships on Saturday Glens Falls scores early and often in Class B semifinal football victory over Gloversville Argyle senior named Adirondack League boys soccer Most Valuable Player Lighting up South Glens Falls' Main Street One killed in Stony Creek car crash Meet Glens Falls' own Emmy-winning writer October births at Glens Falls Hospital Fort Ann man arrested after multi-car hit-and-run But since then, much has changed. Matthew Levin, president of the city school district’s board, said on Monday that since the last proposed merger, his district has stabilized its finances, improved student achievement, and received positive news regarding enrollment numbers. Glens Falls itself has also transformed due to a flurry of downtown development, the Lehigh Cement factory closure, and the recent decision to close the pulp mill at Finch Paper . “These changes have real impacts on the tax base, most specifically for the Abraham Wing school district, shifting tax burdens and making local revenue growth more challenging,” Levin said. “We also see families across our community needing increased support. Our district has done amazing work, bringing more resources directly to our students and families, but those needs continue to grow and evolve.” Levin said that, thanks to the availability of state incentive funding of more than $75 million over the next decade, the time may now be right for a merger. “This is nearly double the aid that was available the last time a serious study was done,” Levin said. “The current local share of tax revenue for the common school district is about $3.5 million. That means this state incentive could essentially cover a decade, maybe two, of local tax share. Now, I'm not saying that's exactly how this plays out… but it puts in perspective the kind of money that we're talking about bringing to our community.” Superintendent Dr. Krislynn Dengler said that school districts across New York State are increasingly interested in exploring mergers. “Everybody’s looking now because the word has gotten out that this incentive aid is huge,” she said. Levin suggested that state funding could help grow Abraham Wing’s staff. A merger could also “provide a more comprehensive, seamless K-6 educational experience,” he said. Levin added that he would be meeting with Glens Falls Mayor Diana Palmer to discuss the issue. Ultimately, a merger would be decided by voters in the Glens Falls Common School District. Before any informed votes could be cast, the city school district is hoping that Abraham Wing agrees to participate in a merger study. Jonathon Norcross is a news reporter at The Post-Star. He can be reached at [email protected] . 0 Comments Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy . Jonathon Norcross News reporter Author linkedin Author twitter Author email Follow Jonathon Norcross