Small Town News

People to decide fate of school districts

---

The future of the students from the Edinburg and Valley Public School Districts will be decided Tuesday, Nov. 24 (today).

All residents of voting age are eligible to vote 'Yes' or 'No' to the reorganization of the two school districts to form Valley-Edinburg Public School District #118.

"Contemplating creating a new school district for your kids is an emotional issue," said Dr. Kent Hjelmstad of Leadership Options, LLP at one of the final public meetings in Edinburg on Nov. 17.

The final reorganization plan was briefly touched on and the public was informed that the majority vote would matter. Only a vote of over 50% in each district can pass the plan to reorganize.

"It's a people process. The boards cannot do anything and no one district can force the other to reorganize," said Hjelmstad at the first set of public meetings held this fall.

Those living in the districts are able to cast their vote at the following polling sites in between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.: Crystal at City Hall (336 3rd St), Hoople at City Hall (222 2nd St), and Edinburg at the Community Center (250 Main Ave). Voters will vote in the school district of residence.

The reorganization plan states that the new district will include the current property located within the boundaries of the current Edinburg School District #106 and the Valley Public School District #12 located within the counties of Cavalier, Pembina, and Walsh. Currently, there are no property adjustments, debts, or liabilities attached to either of the districts. The proposed tax levies for the new district are 110.00 mills for the general fund, 12.00 mills for the high school tuition fund, 5.00 mills for the technology fund, and 10.00 mills for the building fund for a total of 137.00 mills.

The plan allows for many changes to occur by the will of the people or the new school board if need be after the plan passes. Concerns from the area have revolved around the topics of keeping all three buildings operating, student transportation, and special education.

If the plan is approved, a new school board will be elected in the middle of December with 3 members being from the former Edinburg district, 3 from the former Valley district, and 1 member at large. All of the electors in the Valley-Edinburg Public School District would be eligible to vote for all candidates.

Dr. Hjelmstad reminded those at last week's final meetings that this reorganization is not about the money; it's about the kids.

In the face of declining enrollments and teaching staff, these two districts have made a proactive decision to come together for the sake of the future education of their students.

It is highly encouraged by the school boards and those assisting the boards with this plan to get out and vote today. If the plan is passed, it will go into effect for the 2010-2011 school year.



Copyright 2009 Walsh County Press, Park River, North Dakota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2010 Walsh County Press Park River, North Dakota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

More from Walsh County Press