The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by David Grimes, Quill Correspondent
LaHARPE, Ill. A rough estimate of what core curriculum costs will run for a possible multi-district consolidation in west-central Illinois will be provided to those districts in about a week.
Dr. Max Pierson, author of a consolidation study that includes multiple options involving LaHarpe, Northwest, Roseville, Colchester and Southern school districts, told a gathering of representatives from those five districts Saturday that he could provide figures to them based upon a blueprint of core curriculum possibilities presented to them in December.
The five-district schedule of classes does not deal so much with particular courses as it does with number of courses possible. Pierson will also allow for two special programs Ñ health occupations and building trades Ñ in compiling the estimate.
Pierson encouraged the group to get out into their respective communities and sell the idea of consolidation to district residents as well as to their teaching staffs.
The carrot, as he has consistently maintained, is that consolidation can bring with it something better in the way of expanded and improved curriculum.
"Let them know that you're out to develop things that will benefit the boys and girls of your district," he stressed.
Curriculum changes won't be all in place during the first year of any reorganization, however, and will realistically take 2 or 3 years to complete.
Some staff resignations are a possibility, too, Pierson pointed out, if there are teachers unhappy with the way things are put together.
An honest and up front approach to discussing the financial implications with the public is important, too.
"I'm never going to tell you you're going to save money by doing this," he told the group. "But you are going to have money to redirect."
Pierson told the group that he expected to have the financial portion of the consolidation study complete by early next month and ready to present by the middle of the month.
And he re-emphasized the need to focus on academics rather than cost.
"You've got to sell curriculum," he said. "If curriculum is not promoted, the district will not tolerate a tax increase.