The history of school district reorganization in New York State over the past 150 years is examined. Basic research tools included a survey of present and former district superintendents, contacts with former State Education Department personnel, and reports from other leading figures and past participants. Sections are included on: the historical perspective on reorganization in New York (outlining the legislation passed and battles encountered in consolidating the schools); how well the reorganization has worked (opinions for and against centralization and its success in maintaining academic standards and effective programs); success stories and trouble spots (as remembered by interviewees); and what comes next and what the future should be. This section on the future includes a summary and synthesis of the District Superintendents' open-ended responses, nearly 100% of whom feel equality of opportunity has not nearly been reached in New York State, partly due to the spotty success in achieving needed centralizations and that school improvement through reorganization of educationally and/or fiscally weak units cannot wait. A final section lists important dates in the development of reorganization in New York State. Each section contains quotes from various reports and from the interviewed superintendents and officials. Notes follow each section and a bibliography is appended. (JMM)