The three school corporations of Starke County could soon begin discussions over sharing certain services.
North Judson – San Pierre School Board President Pat Goin stated in a post on social media on Tuesday that she reached out to both the Knox and Oregon-Davis School Boards about the possibility. The comments were made prior to the final tally on Election Day.
Knox School Board President Kirk Bennett could not be immediately reached for comment.
North Judson – San Pierre was unable to convince voters in their jurisdiction to temporarily increase the property tax levy. That leaves the school corporation with a budget deficit ending both this fiscal year, and going into 2016.
In order to begin consolidating services, with possibilities such as: administration, activities, or special education, the Boards of all three school corporations would first have to meet in joint session. In her post, Goin suggested a member of the Indiana School Board Association join them for the discussions.
Changes in state funding formulas hit rural school districts relatively hard, putting financial pressure on them to retain and attract students.
Oregon-Davis School Board President Kurt Hayes was also unavailable for comment for this story.
