High quality education for all students and fiscal prudence are two main ingredients in North Colonie’s recipe for educational success.

When faced with any major decision, district officials work hard to balance the two.

That is why North Colonie Central School District and the Maplewood-Colonie Common School District are going forward with an extensive survey to explore the possible benefits and hindrances a merger of the two districts would have on the taxpayers, teachers and most importantly, the students.

Historically, both districts have shown success in the academic arena. North Colonie Schools has been voted the number one district in the region by the “Capital District Business Review” for three of the last five years. This past school year, 98 percent of North Colonie students and 82 percent of the district’s special education students earned a Regents diploma. These percentages are the highest in the suburban council. Likewise, North Colonie values Maplewood’s full-day kindergarten program and elementary foreign language instruction.

“Academically, this would be a meshing of two districts that have high standards, high expectations and both strive for leaving no child left behind,” said Superintendent of Schools Randy Ehrenberg. “The two are very much aligned.”

The financial benefits are appealing as well.

“We as a district are always looking at revenue enhancers,” said Ehrenberg. “If this merger were to happen, it would put us financially in a very sound position.”

Currently, the North Colonie School District receives approximately 50 percent in State Aid for approved building projects. If the district merges with Maplewood, then the aid could increase to approximately 75 percent. The 25 percent increase would allow the enlarged district to tackle new building projects and renovations at less cost to the taxpayers. Additionally, by merging, the district could receive approximately two million dollars more in state operating aid, each year for several years. This money could go toward the integration and coordination work needed to make a smooth transition, as well as to improve the academic programs within the district and to help lessen future tax increases.

While the idea of joining the two districts could be an opportunity, the decision is far from being finalized.

“I like the idea of us taking a look at the possibilities,” adds Ehrenberg. “In the end, the voters from North Colonie and Maplewood will make the ultimate decision.”