Lawmakers want to offer schools incentive to consolidate
Before New Harmony Town and Township schools in southwestern Indiana shut their doors nearly five years ago, the corporation had been struggling with declining admission numbers and a reduction in state funds.
District leaders at the time said there were not many options left, as student count dropped to 137 and state funding fell to less than $1 million.
After years of emphasizing their commitment to remain independent, the district chose to consolidate under another local district, a move few schools have made.
This legislative session, lawmakers are proposing a one-time $500 per pupil incentive if schools do consolidate. The provision is in the budget passed by the House and the chamber added the provision in to a separate Senate bill dedicated to clearing up how districts with debt can consolidate.
Read more: http://www.indystar.com/story/news/politics/2017/03/22/lawmakers-want-offer-schools-incentive-consolidate/99464288/
