Western Pa school board president resigns before completion of merger

Monaca board President Mike Halama says he won't be a part of political subterfuge in the merging of Monanca and Center Area school districts. I have no idea if there is political subterfuge, but thought it would be interesting to post since Gov. Rendell has suggested consolidating districts across the state to save money.

More merger talk

Cambria County state Sen. John Wozniak still wants a government commission to study how to consolidate Pennsylvania schools. His idea is similar to what Gov. Ed Rendell proposed earlier this year.
Wozniak wants a 15-member commission that would hold 20 public hearings around the state before putting forward a plan to realign districts, according to the Associated Press.
Rendell said the state should aim for about 100 school districts, but Wozniak isn't setting a goal yet.
What do you think? Should there be mergers? If so, how should it happen? If not, why not?

Discussions about consolidation are not just happening in Pennsylvania

I have a story in today's Observer-Reporter about how surrounding states are handling consolidation. In Ohio, they aren't even having a conversation. In Delaware, with less than 20 districts, more consolidation is a possibility. In West Virginia, they aren't consolidating districts, but consolidating some schools has been controversial.
I find the topic fascinating because I think it's near and dear to a lot of hearts. Schools are an important part of communities.

School Mergers

Govenor Rendell has proposed consolidating our number of schools from 501 to around 100. While it is clear PA has too many schools, studies have shown that if you create too many "big schools" those with enrollments over 3,000 students that you actually don't save any money.

What is needed is a detailed review at what District's can geographically be put together and can if possible co-exist with the very different tax structures that usually exist from one School District to the next.

Probably a more realistic number is closer to 300 schools.

From 500 to 100

Gov. Ed Rendell wants to merge school districts in the state. As of July 1, there will be 500. He thinks 100 is all that is necessary. Rendell wants a state commission to determine boundary lines and come up with two recommendations. If the state Legislature doesn't approve one of them, then Rendell wants the state Board of Education to decide. He believes this is a way to save the state money and potentially reduce taxes.
Do you think it will save money? Do you think it's a good idea? What districts could be consolidated?