The possible consolidation of two western Illinois school districts has passed another test. Wednesday night, a public hearing was held for comments on the proposal to combine the Cambridge and Alwood districts.
The Regional Superintendent for Bureau, Henry, and Stark counties, Angie Zarvel, says the next step is for her to decide whether she supports asking residents of the two districts to vote on consolidation. She has two weeks, and then will forward her recommendation to the state superintendent of schools - he'll have 3 weeks to decide.
"There is a 35 day period where someone could contest the state superintendent's decision. But once those 35 days have passed, then I will submit the proposition to the proper election authorities."
Once all of that is taken care of, then the question would be placed on the ballot next April for residents of the Cambridge and Alwood districts.
The criteria for allowing a vote include the best interests of the students, the best interests of both districts, and the school needs and conditions in both.
Last spring, Zarvel approved a referendum for the Kewanee and Wethersfield school districts and it will be on the ballot next month.
