YPSILANTI, Mich. – School boards from Ypsilanti and Willow Run have both voted unanimously to hold a joint meeting to discuss a possible merger between the two districts, according to The Ypsilanti Courier. Both boards emphasized that district consolidation is not a guarantee and would be years off even if it were to happen.
“At this point, what we’re really seeking is just a … discussion with the two boards so that we can make a determination on what works best for our community and also to hear from the community at large,” Dedrick Martin, Ypsilanti’s superintendent, told The Courier.
According to The Courier both districts have struggled academically and financially in recent years. Some advocates of consolidation see a merger between the two districts as a way to possibly strengthen both educational systems.
“There are those that say that it is impossible to build a world class school district from the financially crippled institutions that now serve our children. They don’t know who we are,” Ypsilanti board President (David) Bates said.
SOURCE:
The Ypsilanti Courier, “Ypsilanti, Willow Run continue consolidation discussion,” April 3, 2012
FURTHER READING:
Mackinac Center for Public Policy, “School District Consolidation, Size and Spending: an Evaluation,” May 22, 2007
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