Link to Original Story

Two local schools could consolidate

BY BECKY MALKOVICH
THE SOUTHERN

WEST FRANKFORT - A newly completed study recommends the consolidation of Zeigler-Royalton and Christopher school districts.

The feasibility study was presented by a team from Midwest School Consultants at a joint meeting of the district boards Monday night at the Franklin County Country Club.

The team recommended the two districts merge into one unit district, citing enhanced curriculum possibilities, financial incentives from the state as well as projected steady or slowly increasing enrollment that could overwhelm some current buildings in each district.

The consolidation of the two districts that already co-op several sport teams and classes, has its advantages and disadvantages, Z-R Superintendent George Wilkerson said.

The biggest advantage would be in the classroom, particularly at the high school level where more vocational and advanced course offerings would be of great benefit, he said.

One of the biggest disadvantages would be the hit to property owners in the Z-R district. If the two districts merge, their tax rates would meet in the middle. Since Christopher's rate is higher than the Z-R rate, Z-R property taxpayers could see a slight increase.

While the numbers are hypothetical at this point, the tax on a $100,000 house in the Z-R district could see an increase of about $42.

"The hard sell in our district would be the increase in the tax rate,"

Wilkerson said. "But I think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages."

Even with the estimated increase, Z-R would still pay the second lowest tax rate of all 81 districts in Southern Illinois, while Christopher's rate would be 10th lowest, Christopher Superintendent Richard Towers said.

The study also offered different options for housing the new district, including the construction of a new high school at an estimated cost of at least $18 to $22 million or adding on to the Z-R high school and locating all high school classrooms there.

Christopher School Board President Karla McDonald said there are many advantages to a consolidation.

"I'm hopeful. I think there are very positive things for both districts," she said.

She said she anticipates some resistance to "the death of the school mascot."

"Bearcat blood runs deeps in the veins. Tornado blood runs deep in the veins," she said. "No one wants to lose their identity but in 30 years, no one will care. We co-op in six sports and the kids get along so well. I think they would be fine with it."