Grand jury to schools: Tackle organization
Superintendent Hermansen says she is open to studying issue
By Robyn Moormeister, robynm@theunion.com
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12:01 a.m. PT Apr 16, 2008
The Nevada County Grand Jury released a report Tuesday criticizing past and present county superintendents of schools for failing to address re-organization of school districts.
The Nevada County Board of Education has not used the County Committee on School District Organization (CCSDO) to discuss the topic of reorganizing school districts to make them more cost-effective, according to the report.
"The committee has not performed any useful function or task since it considered a high school boundary question more than three years ago," the report states.
In a time when the board is facing drastic budget cuts and layoffs, Nevada County Superintendent of Schools Holly Hermansen should be addressing the issue through the CCSDO, according to the report.
"The grand jury is aware that the state's proposed budget cuts may result in the possible reduction of local teaching and program positions," the report states, adding that 26 positions could be eliminated. "There was no mention of any anticipated involvement of the CCSDO in these considerations."
Hermansen said Tuesday she is open to conducting a study on whether school district reorganization or consolidation should be addressed, especially "in light of the budget situation."
While none of the county's school superintendents have expressed to her a desire to address district reorganization, several people in the community have approached her in recent weeks with questions about district consolidation, she said.
Some people have said western Nevada County has too many school districts for its population, especially considering dwindling student enrollment.
"It's a good time to look at (consolidation) as far as doing a study to see if its appropriate," Hermansen said, adding it would be "foolish" on her part not to respond to the grand jury's recommendations.
She also will discuss the grand jury's concerns with the county board of education, she added.
School and district consolidation historically is a deeply unpopular and divisive issue, especially in rural areas where schools offer an often-key element of community identity.
The grand jury recommended the CCSDO meet on a regular monthly or quarterly basis. Now, the committee meets upon request, outside of its annual meeting, Hermansen said.
In its report, the grand jury praised the recent consolidation of Ready Springs and Pleasant Valley school districts, headed up by Jim Voss.
That consolidation "is a model for examination and consideration by the CCSDO," the report states.
Hermansen commended Voss for his work in consolidating the districts, but added that every district is different.
"There are a lot of factors to consider," she said. "All of our school districts are unique in their culture and who they are."
To contact Staff Writer Robyn Moormeister, e-mail rmoormeister@theunion.com or call 477-4236.
