Margaretville Central School: A Beacon of Educational Innovation through Regionalization

In a progressive move to enhance educational opportunities, Margaretville Central School, part of the ONC BOCES region, is embarking on a transformative journey in line with the New York State Education Department’s Regionalization Initiative. Under the leadership of ONC BOCES District Superintendent, Dr. Catherine Huber, ONC BOCES has initiated early discussions around regionalization, positioning Margaretville and its neighboring districts to collaborate to provide equitable access to expanded opportunities for students. This initiative aims to promote equity, resource-sharing, and educational enrichment across school districts in New York. Here’s how Margaretville Central School is utilizing the six pillars of the regionalization plan to enhance student experiences and outcomes.

Origins of the Regionalization Initiative

In January 2023, when a proposed budgetary change threatened the financial security of over 300 school districts, including Margaretville, districts took a hard look at scheduling, staffing, and potential for sharing. Faced with the potential elimination of key funding safeguards, districts needed to answer to the immediate fiscal challenges while tackling the deeper issue of educational inequity across New York. This strengthened an already  collaborative approach to regional education that honors local autonomy while striving for statewide benefits.

1: Advanced Coursework: Expanding Academic Horizons

Margaretville Central School students have access to a diverse array of Advanced Placement (AP) courses. As a result of using American Rescue Plan Funds to add coursework and training to staff, students have access to AP courses in Math, Art, History and English, and are challenging themselves academically and preparing for college-level work. This expanded access to rigorous coursework ensures that students, regardless of their district’s size or resources, have an equal opportunity to engage in advanced studies. 

2: Regional Industry Partnerships: Building Career-Ready Skills

Superintendent Osterhoudt is working on a potential partnership with Margaretville Hospital to offer courses for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certifications. This  will ensure that students will not only fulfill local workforce needs but also position themselves for careers in healthcare—a field essential to the community. These courses provide students with practical skills, empowering them to secure well-paying, meaningful jobs right after high school. This collaboration fulfills the dual purpose of addressing community needs and preparing students for jobs that make a difference. Additionally, students have participated in internships with local companies like Margaretville Hospital and Margaretville Telephone Company. 

3: Shared Services for Support Staff: Expanding Mental Health Support

Margaretville now shares a school psychologist with a neighboring district, a resource that has significantly bolstered support for students’ emotional and psychological well-being and the need for more timely testing services for the Committee on Special Education–sometimes these tests can take months due to a lack of providers in our area. In an era where mental health support is increasingly crucial, this shared service model provides students with access to the testing they need to navigate academic and personal challenges.

4: Shared Staff: Broadening Educational Offerings

MCS and its neighbors often share transportation and special programming to meet the needs of students. The 8:1:1 Special Education class is specifically designed for junior high students preparing to transition into high school who participate in the New York State Alternate Assessments (NYSAA). With a student-to-teacher ratio of eight students to one teacher and one teaching assistant, this specialized class provides individualized instruction and support tailored to each student's unique learning needs. 

Recognizing the demand for an inclusive and supportive environment in our area, we are proud to offer enrollment to neighboring districts, currently welcoming students from Delhi Academy and Andes Central School.

5: Range of Subject Areas: A Well-Rounded Education

Margaretville students are exposed to a broad spectrum of academic areas. Whether it’s diving into STEM fields, exploring the seal of bi-literacy, or delving into creative arts, students are now able to cultivate well-rounded educational experiences that nurtures their interests and skills. By joining forces with other schools and collaborating with various community organizations, Margaretville ensures that its students can pursue subjects they are passionate about, preparing them for a variety of career paths. 

6: Extracurricular Activities: Strengthening Community Bonds

Extracurriculars are essential for building character, teamwork, and a sense of belonging. Thanks to regional partnerships, Margaretville students can now participate in a range of extracurricular activities that span sports, arts, and community service. Last year, through an internship with MTC, a senior was able to explore the field of accounting. Margaretville Central School collaborates with local businesses and welcomes any opportunity to provide career exploration and internships. Currently, they have partnerships with CWC, Margaretville Hospital, The Margaretville Arts Council and the Roxbury Arts Group. Additionally, Margaretville Central School plans to offer Financial Literacy Courses to students, faculty and staff and community members after the first of the year. 

A Vision of Equity and Opportunity

Margaretville Central School’s participation in New York’s regionalization initiative exemplifies the power of local control paired with regional collaboration. ONC BOCES and its component districts, spearheaded by ONC BOCES District Superintendent, Dr. Catherine Huber, are actively engaged in implementing these transformative changes, positioning Margaretville as a model of regional innovation. Reflecting this forward-thinking approach, Michelle Osterhoudt, superintendent of  the Margaretville Central School, shared her vision: “I want to control our story, and I want a say as to what regionalization looks like in our area. To do that, we’ve gotta get ahead of the game and focus on the six areas now. Now is the time to innovate, and now is the time to create equitable opportunities for our students.”