Reorganization Alternatives Stressed

Carthage, IL – The regional school superintendent wants Hancock County school districts to take a close look at all their reorganization alternatives. Bob Baumann has scheduled a meeting next month for school board members, superintendents, and interested citizens. He says state funding is not keeping up with school costs, and the number of pupils will drop more than 20 percent over the next 13 years. Baumann says school consolidations or convergences are being discussed by several Hancock County districts. He wants school leaders to consider all their options. That could include joining with districts that are not entirely within the county. He says a consultant to the state Board of Education will speak at the September 14 meeting.