Lyons-Decatur Patrons on Consolidation: Look at Other Options

By Brian Depew, Lyons Area Resident

Can also be read at burtcountyschool.com

Around 100 Lyons-Decatur patrons gathered in their school gymnasium in Lyons tonight to hear from school officials, the architectural firm engaged by the board and the bonding agency to discuss county-wide consolidation.

The proposed $61 million project includes a $5.5 million elementary renovation and addition in Lyons. Due to projected teacher lay-offs, the current projection is that Lyons-Decatur taxpayers would save 3 cents on the levy compared to current operations.

The overarching theme of patrons in attendance was a desire to look at other options to address the challenges the district faces. Ideas raised in small group discussions included: co-oping activities with a neighboring district, sharing teachers, unification rather than consolidation, and consolidation with other districts.

Asked to rank the most important principles for the future of the district, patrons ranked quality education first followed by: consider other options, keep school in town, and community involvement.

On the final question of the night, 36% of those voting chose county-wide consolidation, 35% chose different consolidation, 26% other and 3% do nothing. The total voting for an option other than a Burt County School was 64%.