Letter: Time to merge Farmington and Lakeville districts?

To the editor,

I want to put this idea in front of the residents and school board members of Farmington and Lakeville school districts. Due to recent developments in both districts I think reasonable savings can be made by merging these two school districts together.

As both districts are starting to search for new leadership and cost savings I think the opportunity is ripe for discussions to begin on this process. Lakeville’s search could be for a long term school superintendent that would be able to assume leadership of a combined district serving over 13,000 students. Farmington’s search could be narrowed down to an interim superintendent position that would exist until 60 days past the merger is formalized.

If you look at other combined districts they operate quite effectively under the direction of one superintendent who is supported by competent support staff at all levels.

Consolidations would bring savings in many areas such as administration, community education and transportation costs. I do not foresee the taxable market value of residential and business properties increasing anytime soon, we are also starting to see schools being closed as a means to provide cost savings.

Costs will continue to escalate and new avenues for revenue are simply not available, we are already employing or looking at several questionable accounting practices to meet budgetary demands. Additionally, recent levy proposals have failed, showing unwillingness by the taxpayers to provide additional funding to either district.

I urge that a joint school board meeting be held between the two districts to discuss this issue and formalize a committee to investigate this possibility.

Edgar Samuelson,

Farmington

Tags: opinion, letters, farmington