Representatives of the Carlinville and Girard boards of education conducted a joint meeting Monday, June 30, in the Carlinville Primary School cafeteria to hear results of a feasibility study conducted to explore possible reorganization. With the two districts in very preliminary stages of considering reorganization, the purpose of the feasibility study was to provide both districts with information to help them better determine the best options for their students, parents and communities. This was done by providing a neutral viewpoint based on the analysis of curriculum, finances, staff needs, transportation issues, facilities, discussions with school board members and community perceptions.

The 285-page study, conducted by Dr. William H. Phillips, Dr. Scott L. Day and Dr. Leonard R. Bogle, also looked at both districts’ transportation situation, including the number of buses and bus routes, costs, number of students transported and geographic boundaries, as well as route mileage and costs, special education buses and other transportation services and costs.

The study’s analysis of the districts’ facilities focused on the number of buildings and grades housed in each building, building enrollments and capacities and the age of the facilities, as well their accessibility for the physically challenged and their general upkeep and building conditions.

Phillips shared that the study of both districts’ curriculum and instruction found both Carlinville and Girard have shifted their focus of curriculum alignment to the Illinois learning standards.

In a reorganization, Phillips explained, this will help better prepare all students for the Illinois Standards Achievement Tests at grades 3, 5, and 8 in reading, math and writing and grades 4 and 7 in science and social science. Phillips added discussions had taken place with the high school administration to ensure standards are met with incoming groups from the elementary districts.

The study found the curriculum alignment work is out of sync due to the fact that the two districts have not previously worked together as they would if they were merged. As a result, there is no complete PK-12 alignment of any subject area with Illinois Learning Standards. If a merger occurs, Phillips shared, teachers from both districts involved need time for development and training on the new curriculum and a plan will need to be set as to how the two districts’ curriculums would mesh in the process. The existing early childhood programs could continue to meet the needs of children ages 3-5 as they are currently offered.

The existing overall PK-8 organization of grades into PK- 3, 4-5, 6-8 or PK- 5, and 6-8 among the attendance centers could be continued in a reorganized district, although how these grades are housed in the various buildings and sites could be subject to change. The study noted a new PK-12 textbook adoption schedule would have to be established over time in a reorganized district, since each district is following a different schedule.
The study found very few changes in staff assignments may be necessary due to retirements coming in the Carlinville School District in band, guidance and history. Within five years, Phillips noted, there may be additional retirements, as well. With the merger of additional faculty in specialized subjects, electives in vocational, technical, foreign language (French and Spanish), and art could be added to the middle school curriculum in Girard.

Girard High School currently sends 32 students to the CACC for vocational training, while Carlinville High School offers similar courses on site with equipment, certified staff, and facilities for vocational, technical and agricultural studies, representing a cost savings of $2,500 per student, not including transportation, as the CACC transportation and program costs would be eliminated.

Weighted grading at Girard High School differs from Carlinville’s curriculum of nonweighted grades, and a newly merged district would need to evaluate the rigor of high school course content and assessments to determine if weighted grading is necessary. Should it be determined courses are appropriately rigorous, weighted grades should not be needed.
A decision regarding special education services for K-12 would have to be made between SASED which serves Girard schools, and MidState, which serves Carlinville.

Phillips explained student projections are made using existing class numbers to develop percentages. Projections indicate the enrollment for both districts will continue to steadily and slowly decrease over the next five years.

Carlinville saw a reduction of 133 students from 2003-2004 to 2007-2008 and is projected to lose an additional 81 students between 2007-2008 and 2012-2013.
Girard gained 14 students from 2003-2004 to 2007-2008. Girard is projected to lose 50 students between 2007-2008 and 2012-2013.

A study of both districts’ transportation programs showed both own and maintain their buses, with Carlinville spending $439,358 for regular transportation or $2.98 per mile and Girard spending $170,570 for regular transportation or $3.88 per mile. Special education rates are $51,758 and $2.55 per mile for Carlinville and $77,934 and $3.72 per mile for Girard.

The study indicated the Carlinville border is within eight miles of Girard High School. Vocational costs are $1,106 for Carlinville and $43,800 for Girard, with anticipated increases in transportation costs for a consolidated high school offset by the savings in vocational transportation. The difference between the vocational expenses and the additional cost for transportation equals $27,000 per year.

The study of both district’s buildings found them to be well maintained, clean and attractive, with the major health life safety requirements having been addressed, and roofing and electrical needs also addressed by both districts. Girard is using every room and two additional rooms would provide better service to their students. The study noted the two gymnasiums at Girard present an issue when scheduling physical education for all grades in the district.

Carlinville has no space issues at the middle school and high school and could accommodate an additional 300 students using the existing rooms based upon the 650 students once housed in the building. The study also showed Carlinville has a large vocational department that can accommodate and provide classes for additional students. Combining the two high schools results in a current population of 667, with the population projected to total 584 by 2012-2012. The study found that creating a new high school from the two districts would increase school size, provide greater educational opportunities for the high school students and open up space within the Girard school building to better serve the PK to 8th-grade students.

Phillips explained current property tax rates between the two districts are very similar in rates and amounts, with both districts having a positive balance in their main operating funds. The equalized assessed valuation of both districts, which determines local tax revenue, is increasing at a moderate pace for both districts. A total tax rate of $4.22 would generate the same amount of revenue for the new district as compared to the current tax rate for Carlinville of $4.23 and $4.58. If Carlinville merges with the current territory of Girard, the entire new district would be exempt from tax caps, with voter approval required for all levy funding for newly-formed district as determined by a committee of 10 appointed to shepherd the referendum.

Over a four-year period, the newly-reorganized district would receive approximately $1,229,464 and would receive approximately $324,866 less annually in General State Aid after the four-year incentive period is over. The entire newly-organized district would be a non-PTELL district and Carlinville’s current status as a tax capped district would be discontinued.

Under the teacher salary equalization, the newly-formed district would receive $1,995,660 over a four-year period, with the actual number calculated on a teacher-by-teacher basis after reorganization. Total reorganization incentives would amount to $4,915,124. “We joked that we’d like to put that figure on a neon sign in town,” said Phillips.

Each school district’s salary schedule and contract would be abolished and a new contract most likely negotiated by the certified staff. Likewise, if a successful referendum were achieved, both boards of education would be abolished and a new board elected.
Phillips stated there are 11 current allowable procedures for the merger of school districts in the state of Illinois, with his committee recommending utilizing the Article 11 A-3 method, which would entail the required referendum to pass with a simple majority of votes in both districts.

Article 11A-3 would require a petition to the Regional Superintendent of Education by both districts or a citizen petition with at least 50 voters signing from each district. After a petition is received, Phillips explained, the regional superintendent would gather information and publish the time and place of a public hearing at which constituents from both districts could speak on the issue. After the hearing, the regional superintendent and, subsequently, the state superintendent must approve the reorganization petition. Should both superintendents approve the petition, the referendum would be scheduled for the next regularly scheduled election. If the referendum is approved by a majority of voters in each district, the newly-organized district would begin operation the next July 1 after successful reorganization.

Responding to a question regarding the length of time involved in the reorganization process. Phillips stated, “The normal time frame is about one year, sometimes two, There’s a lot of information that needs to get gathered and information that needs to get out to the public.”

In closing, Phillips praised those in attendance and the board members for their interest in the young people of their communities. “It’s not up to me to decide what’s best for the boys and girls of your district,” said Phillips.” That’s up to you.” /p>

Source: Macoupin County Enquirer, July. 3, 2008