The history of school district consolidation in New York State reveals that nearly every set of recommendations which has encouraged consolidation has brought about widespread negative reaction from the public. Reorganization is a highly political activity in which members of the State Legislature and the State Education Department have always been involved. While school district governance in a reorganized district (and the political reaction in the school district to that reorganization) may appear to be a singularly local issue, it is not. The State Education Department and its agents are involved at each stage of the reorganization process, and their involvement is not necessarily salutary. Reorganization efforts have slowed considerably in the past 15 years. In spite of increased financial incentives to reorganize and continued discussion on the benefits of reorganization, few districts have chosen to consolidate with others or to be annexed. While the promise of lower taxes and the prospect of improved educational opportunities continue to be compelling reasons for some districts to reorganize, districts are looking closely at the political issues. Districts considering reorganization today want guarantees that they will not lose local control and the opportunity to be directly involved in their children's education. (JHZ)