In a time of declining enrollment and suffering educational program offerings, some districts look to merging with neighboring districts to help out.

But what allows districts to merge successfully? Why merge in the first place?

According to a study by the University at Buffalo, a smaller size can make merging more successful. In the report “School Limits: Probing the Boundaries of Public Education” by the UB Regional Institute, districts with under 1,000 students have the biggest potential savings. However, costs can be a factor, especially if new facilities and busing increases are needed.

Enrollment figures for secondary programs can impact learning, which can make merging a positive idea for some districts. The report suggests that high schools with around 600 to 900 students offer a better learning environment than others that may be larger or smaller.

The report suggests a variety of hypothetical mergers, some of which may be surprising, while others may not. One suggested merger is at Sherman, Clymer and Panama central school districts, as well as a merger between Brocton and Fredonia central school districts. Falconer and Frewsburg central school districts are listed as a possible pair, as well as Ripley and Westfield central school districts, Chautauqua Lake and Bemus Point central school districts, and Forestville and Pine Valley central school districts. An estimate shows merging two 900-student districts can result in annual per pupil costs that are 20 percent lower. However, between two 300-student school districts increases the savings of annual per pupil spending costs to 31 percent, but decreases to 14 percent when merging two 1,500-student districts.

While the savings involved is important, David O’Rourke, Erie-2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES superintendent, said the main point is the educational offerings for students. Districts looking at a smaller catalogue of offerings may consider consolidation due to the benefits for the students.

“A very important place for school boards to start is what is the level of programming we are providing for our kids?” O’Rourke said. “That is a really important one.”

If it is found that a better educational experience and depth of transcript can be given if a merger proceeds, districts may want to look at merging as an option. In a recent, on-going scenario in Panama and Clymer central school districts, the study that has recently been approved will address these questions and more, he said.

However, success does not always follow a proposed merger, it seems.

The New York State Association of Business Officials released a report in 2014 regarding failed mergers, taking an in-depth look into why they did not pass. Listed among the failed district mergers was Brocton and Westfield Central School districts. Brocton and Westfield passed the straw vote, but did not make the final referendum. The entire study looked at 30 school districts which studied the viability of school district reorganization since 2010.

The study noted some obstacles, reported by the New York State Education Department, to district merger which include a fear of losing local identity; perception that the communities are incompatible and one may benefit more than another; higher costs and an increase in property tax; more time required for transportation; job security for school district employees; and a natural tendency to resist change.

During the 2013-14 school year, the estimated enrollment for Brocton was 565 students, while the enrollment for Westfield was 728 students.