14 News, The Tri-State's News and Weather Leader-Daniels suggests school consolidation

Daniels suggests school consolidation

By Gretchen Ross - bio | email
Posted by Rachel Folz- email

Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels wants to start his second term by making local government more efficient.

His legislative plan not only calls for fewer elected officials but also to possibly combine school districts.

In a report released last year by the State Commission on Local Government Reform, 27 recommendations spelled out what they say are the most efficient ways provide the state with long term savings.

One recommendation calls for consolidating schools districts so none has fewer than 2,000 students, which could create a logistical problem for Posey County schools.

Right now Posey County breaks down into three school districts; the metro school district of Mt. Vernon with 2,040 students, metro school district of North Posey County with 1,328 students and New Harmony township school with 170 students.

If the state's general assembly approves combining those three districts into one, North Posey County superintendent thinks jobs will be cut.

But, that cash flow could be put back into the schools. 

New Harmony School Superintendent Fran Thoele said some kids would get lost in the shuffle, "The kids would be he ones to lose out because we nurture kids who need help and they get lost in a big system. Most needy kids do not thrive in big system."

Theole admits moving her students to one district could offer them more athletic opportunities.

Theole said the decision could have an impact on taxpayers wallets, "We're debt free and there aren't too many schools around that can say that. And taxes will go down but if we consolidate taxpayers will pay higher taxes."