SOUTH OTSELIC – With enrollment declining across many upstate New York school districts, area schools are dealing with budget decisions that make it difficult to provide the same opportunities for students. In the Otselic Valley Central School District, school leaders are looking at shared services to combat that issue.

Otselic Valley is currently sharing the Director of Special Education position with the DeRuyter School District. In the area of athletics, male and female varsity soccer athletes are traveling to neighboring Sherburne-Earlville to compete as part of their existing program. In addition, the school is utilizing BOCES to offer some specialized instruction in areas like music, physical and occupational therapy and some specialized instruction they may not otherwise be able to offer. BOCES also provides business office services and out-of-district placements when appropriate.

“Collaboration is especially important this school year because it allows us to create more opportunities for our students while making the most effective use of the resources we have available. By working together with neighboring districts, we can provide students with opportunities, programs, and experiences that may be difficult for us to offer independently,” said superintendent Brian Collier. He explained that shared services allow the district to share costs, ultimately helping address challenging budgetary situations. “Ultimately, collaboration helps us expand what we can provide to students while remaining fiscally responsible and sustainable as a district,” he said.