New district gets its official name

By Manor Ink Staff

Town of Rockland, NY – The newly elected seven-person Board of Education voted at its Mar. 18 meeting on a new name for the merged schools. After review of survey results, the trustees voted five to two in favor of the name “Rockland Central School District.”

“We decided to go with the overwhelming choice of survey participants,” reported Board President James Buck. “This was the clear winner among students as well as of the community,” he said. The breakdown of 857 votes was as follows: “Rockland CSD,” 428; “Twin Rivers CSD,” 185; and “Livingston Manor-Roscoe CSD,” 244.

In a significant move aimed at strengthening local public school education and ensuring financial stability, the communities of Livingston Manor and Roscoe voted in a binding referendum on Dec. 19, 2024, to merge the two separate school districts. This decision was the culmination of years of studies, discussions, and community engagement.

As reported in the March issue of Manor Ink, the community elected the following members to the new school board:

• James Buck, Ed Gorr, and Tasse Niforatos who will serve terms ending on June 30, 2028.

• Roy Rogers and Gary Dahlman who will serve until June 30, 2027.

• Nicole Park and Chris Tuleweit who will serve until June 30, 2026.

The newly formed board convened its organizational meeting on Feb. 25, and has been meeting weekly to make decisions needed to jumpstart the new school year in the fall. James Buck was elected as president of the board.

One of the board’s early decisions pertained to the use of existing school facilities. On Mar. 5, they resolved that the Roscoe building would serve as the elementary school, while the Livingston Manor facility would accommodate middle and high school students. This configuration aims to optimize resources and provide age-appropriate learning environments.

They voted on Mar. 18 to allow for one polling place for upcoming budget votes, which will be the Livingston Manor school building. Additionally, they voted to retain two election districts defined by the boundaries of the pre-existing school districts. “This will preserve future options to have two polling places,” explained Buck.

There remain many issues for the Board of Education to address. The trustees will discuss budget priorities and tax levy ramifications at its upcoming meetings. Transportation costs are the largest unknown factor.

“We are finalizing the Request for Proposal and hope to receive bids very soon,” said Buck, regarding busing costs. A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for May 6 at the Roscoe cafeteria. The public vote on the proposed 2025/26 budget will take place May 20.

The new board must also determine the new district’s school colors, mascot, contracts, staffing and more. The new district will begin operation July 1. For more information, visit lmcs.k12.ny.us/o/lmcsd/page/rockland-central-school-district-information.