The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
What Will Happen If Consolidation Vote Fails?
by: Shirley Linder, Quill Editor
In an attempt to answer the public's question "What happens to Southern District #120 if the consolidation issue fails", a public meeting was held last Wednesday evening, October 20th.
Approximately 150 people attended the gathering held in Southern's High School gymnasium. A slide presentation was given by board member Doug Brooks before the meeting was opened to questions and public comments by Board President Jon Corzatt, moderator for the evening.
President Corzatt said board members were not there to sway voters either way concerning the consolidation but only to inform the public.
If the November 2nd Consolidation question fail, he said the board would place a 25 cent per $100 tax referendum on the ballot in the spring of 2005 in order to raise funds for operation.
The comparative data of the fund balance shows $1,846,399 (2001), $1,360,195 (2002), $969,763 (2003), and after cuts $1,146.903 (2004).
When asked from the audience what would happen if the referendum failed, he said then they would have to look at more cuts in the curriculum and extra curriculum schedule.
The question was asked what was Southern's option if the consolidation vote fails and Union, Roseville and La Harpe all go another way? Corzatt answered they would just need to look at the options.
While the board feels Southern can be maintained for 3-5 years without consolidation but with loss of curriculum and extra curricula, most agree that with declining enrollment and lower state aid, it will not be easy. Board members were all present, Corzatt, Brooks, Dan Bowman, Rod Fox, Brendan Schaley, Brad Arnold, and Melissa Livermore.