Consolidation conundrum
Right now, a new issue is slowly making its way through the Kansas Legislature. It involves public schools, and it's an issue that should interest all of Marion County.
That issue? School consolidation.
As state legislators try to balance the state budget, they're looking at every possible avenue in order to save dollars.
One money-saving solution that some propose is the consolidation of Kansas' school districts, reducing the 300-plus that currently exist to about 40.
Money would be saved by centralizing school administration, proponents say.
But this issue is far from simple. Many remember the last time that Kansas schools underwent drastic consolidation. That was the 1960s, and the state went from more than 1,000 districts to the 300 of today.
It was a bitter fight that left hard feelings on both sides of the table.
Is Kansas ready to go through that again?
The issue of consolidation needs to be examined thoroughly. Many questions should be asked. If districts are consolidated, will kids need to be bussed long distances to other schools? Or would it just eliminate administrative positions, not actual schools?
A school district is a vital part of a town's identity — is it right to take that away from them?
But the biggest question we need to ask is this: Does consolidation improve the quality of education? That's what needs to be considered — not just saving money.
— JENNIFER WILSON
