League votes put Salem–Cambridge athletic mergers in limbo; Section Two to decide

Administrators told the board that the Aderondac League recently voted down all of Salem’s fall merger requests with Cambridge (unanimous rejections except for golf), citing competitive balance and sustainability concerns. The Waserin League, where several merged teams already compete, approved Salem’s requests.

Superintendent (name not specified in the transcript) said she and Cambridge Superintendent James Ducharm have been in contact and that Section Two’s merger committee is scheduled to meet imminently to consider whether one league’s approval will be sufficient. The administrator warned that if the Aderondac League’s no‑votes stand, the district may need to consider playing some sports as an independent or formally petitioning to change league membership.

Athletic director Danny Felino was cited as an active participant in the process; administrators said several sports would be affected if mergers do not clear the league/section approval process. The board discussed options including: (1) apply to leave the Aderondac League and play as an independent for a season, (2) pursue membership in the Waserin League, or (3) continue to press Section Two for approval so scheduled merged teams can play league contests.

Administrators emphasized the practical consequences for students: scheduling, travel and the ability for some teams to field competitive rosters depend on mergers. They said they will meet with coaches and parent groups, assess which teams would be most affected (boys and girls basketball, softball, wrestling were highlighted) and update the board after the Section Two determination.

Next procedural steps recorded in the meeting: an imminent Section Two merger committee meeting and additional follow‑up meetings with coaches; no final board action or league change was voted at this meeting.