Canton and Potsdam school district voters shot down the proposed merger Thursday with 680 in favor and 1,404 against in Canton and 558 in favor and 1,279 against in Potsdam.

The votes stop the merger process. However, school board members have the option of bringing a revised version at a later date. This would require board action and approval from the state.

Both superintendents said voter turnouts were well above any recent school votes and they were pleased to see the public come out and cast their ballots.

The superintendents also offered appreciation to the joint-advisory committee members, board members, the public and local media for helping to inform voters about the merger, which was expected to have cut costs and increase course offerings for students.

However, many in both communities resisted what they believed would be long bus rides since the middle school would have been located in Canton and the high school in Potsdam. Others were skeptical the state would follow through with its promise of $35 million in additional state aid if both districts merged.

Canton Superintendent Bill Gregory said he expects a tough budget year moving forward.

Potsdam Superintendent Patrick Brady expected the same.

"Unless we are able to receive adequate state funding, end the GAP elimination adjustment and change the state aid formula we will continue to struggle," he said.

Both superintendents said they would be reviewing exit poll data, which includes comments from many of the residents who voted.