Main Menu

Explore More

                                      is an equitable learning community cultivating health, knowledge, skills, and values for productive global citizenship.

Historical Background

ONTEORA’S PATH TO A DECEMBER 10 VOTE

Ideas for a Central Campus have been discussed for more than 15 years and, in 2018, the District took more formal steps to consider its future for student opportunities and financial sustainability. Enrollment, which hovered around 2,100 students about 25 years ago, is now half that.   

The decline was especially challenging for the elementary grades. Onteora once supported four elementary schools, before closing the West Hurley school almost 20 years ago. In 2023, the Board of Education decided to close Phoenicia Elementary and shift Grade 6 to the Middle School the following year. In discussions leading up to that, the Board of Education openly and regularly expressed the intent to close Woodstock and maximize student opportunities at a Central Campus in Boiceville.

The reasons were numerous, with these in the lead:

  • Difficulties offering robust educational and extracurricular programs with fewer students, which led to inequities among elementary schools
  • Teaching and support time compromised as staff members traveled among schools
  • Financial and time strains of transporting students to multiple locations
  • Financial resources to maintain buildings that were aging and underutilized

MORE PROACTIVE, COLLABORATIVE PLANNING

Beginning in 2023, the Board of Education and District administrators embarked on a process to collaboratively chart a path for the future. They invited all interested faculty, staff, students, and community members to join them to consider ways to prioritize students' academic, social, and emotional needs, while also understanding the forecast for financial sustainability.

Guided by a professional facilitator who is also a community member, these stakeholders participated in a series of community forums and focus groups to share their priorities and concerns for a Central Campus. That work guided and helped refine initial concepts for an enhanced Boiceville campus. The Roadmap to a Central Campus stretched from 2024 to 2028 and included K-5 as the preferred grade level configuration of the Board and Administration.

Details from those 2023 Visioning Sessions and other historical material are on this webpage, which has not been updated and stands as an archive of Onteora’s path toward a central campus.

A VOTE ON THE VISION

The initial plan put dreams on paper, envisioning both building improvements and enhancements to outdoor spaces. On the May 20, 2025, ballot that also included the operating budget, the Capital Project “Optimizing Onteora” proposed more classrooms at Bennett and renovations for the Boiceville campus schools. It also proposed a larger elementary school gym; upgrades for the high school auditorium; a new lighted, multi-use turf field; and outdoor learning spaces and pathways. 

More people voted “no” than “yes,” so the project failed. Beyond the numbers, an Exit Poll Analysis gave the Board important insight into voters’ decision-making. Along with conversations and other commentary, it helped inform the Board’s Revised Path to Onteora’s Future. 

A DIFFICULT, BUT PURPOSEFUL DECISION FOR ONTEORA’S FUTURE

Among all voters, the Exit Poll Analysis showed a common appreciation for upgrading Onteora schools with no increase to the tax levy and for pursuing a path toward long-term financial savings. Other insights were:

  • Opposition to the plan was split between those who thought the price tag was too high and those who wanted Woodstock Elementary to stay open – an option that was not part of Optimizing Onteora.
  • Many voters who favored the plan cited concern about the overall condition of the schools and the potential for increased equity with a central campus.

The Board considered input as it reshaped a Capital Project vote.

  • Significant changes reduced the overall price by 40% and cut borrowing in half.
  • Two propositions were created—keeping the Bennett Elementary expansion separate from the K-12 Boiceville campus’ “nuts and bolts” infrastructure updates.
  • There is still no increase in the tax levy.
  • Even with debt payments for Proposition 1, the District’s financial experts, Fiscal Advisors, project that the operating budget will have a net savings of $1.7 million each year from State Aid and centralization efficiencies.

Board members relied not just on two years of research, enrollment studies, and Building Condition Surveys. They also listened during frank debate, with conversations that included raw emotion and complete honesty. Together, they faced the sobering conclusion that a Central Campus was the most sustainable way to educate all Onteora students, and that the best path forward keeps our K-5 students together at the Elementary School.

Board members discussed this issue at numerous public meetings and entirely dedicated the meetings of October 7, 2025 and October 14, 2025 to the matter. Votes on resolutions for Proposition 1, Proposition 2, and the Woodstock closure were very emotional and unanimous. They took place at the meeting on October 21, 2025. To hear the discussion before the votes, watch the recording and advance to the 1:17 mark. 

Email questions about the Capital Project vote to OCSDVote@onteora.k12.ny.us.