Board approves one‑year, three‑district field‑hockey merger to preserve program
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Summary
Following a parent and athlete forum, the Salem board voted 5–0 to approve a one‑year field‑hockey merger with Cambridge Central and Hoosick Falls for the 2026–27 school year to sustain participation while rebuilding local numbers; board members asked staff to finalize a draft agreement and transportation logistics.
The Salem Board of Education on March 6 approved a one‑year, three‑district field‑hockey merger with Cambridge Central School and Hoosick Falls Central School to allow teams to field full rosters during a rebuilding period.
District staff (S2) said the districts held a parent-and-athlete forum attended by roughly 20–30 community members and that youth-league relationships made a three‑district approach viable. "I think we should give it a try for a year and see how it goes," S4 said during the discussion, reflecting a common board sentiment.
Staff outlined transportation challenges and noted Hoosick Falls and Cambridge have agreed in principle to share practices and some home games; the merger would be provisional while the districts monitor participation and logistics. The superintendent’s office said it would present a draft interdistrict agreement — including provisions for transportation cost‑sharing, coach staffing and home‑game rotation — either in a special meeting or at the next regular meeting.
The board moved to approve the merger application (so the districts could meet league and section application deadlines for 2026–27). The chair announced the motion carried, 5–0.
Board members praised the collaborative approach and asked staff to track transportation costs carefully. The district will file required paperwork with the league and return to the board with a formal interdistrict agreement for recording and continued oversight.