Why are the boards pursuing consolidation now?
Both boards have considered consolidation for many years, but feel that it is a particularly positive option in light of the most recently passed state budget, which shifts more of the responsibility for funding schools onto local property taxpayers. This change means that even if costs do not increase, eventually property taxpayers in both districts will have to pay more for schools. In an effort to be more accountable to taxpayers at a time when the level of state funding for schools is not expected to increase, the boards have decided to present consolidation to voters now.
