A Knight in Dragonland

I heard an extremely loud “bang” earlier today. I wondered what happened … until I read the headline in today’s Daily Times: “District 108 tables consolidation study.”

Ahhhh, that explains it. The sound I heard was Jim Mangan’s head exploding.

District 108 Superintendent Don White gave a presentation to the 108 school board regarding district consolidation on Monday night. I did not hear this presentation, but I’ve heard White speak before. He does his research and he’s extremely organized, thoughtful and insightful. First, White said he was having a hard time even finding a consultant experienced with studying the kind of hybrid school district consolidation proposed by the Citizens for Pekin School Consolidation.

We are the only district that is even considering (hybrid consolidation) right now.

White also stated that as many as five separate studies might be needed to figure out the logistics of the consolidation. The effects of consolidation on tax rates, student transportation, staffing and curriculum would all need to be investigated.

All feeder districts would have to approve of putting the measure on the ballot as a binding referendum, and officials from Spring Lake District 606 have already made it clear that they are not interested. Also involved would be Rankin District 98, South Pekin District 137 and North Pekin-Marquette District 102. The positions of their boards are not known at this time.

The article concluded with White’s statement to the board that he has yet to find ANY positive information concerning the hybrid consolidation of 303 with its feeder districts:

If it comes back that it was a good deal, I’d share that information with the board.

After Don White’s presentation, the board voted to table the motion to have White further investigate the cost of consolidation study. Board members will be provided the information White has already gathered and go from there.

I await the angry tirade from Mangan that I’m sure is soon to come.