Novice ISD Meets with Coleman to Discuss Possible Consolidation
By: Kristin Anderson
Updated: July 3, 2012
Novice has now met with Coleman ISD, which is one of three districts it's considering consolidating with last night. The other two districts being looked at are Jim Ned CISD and Panther Creek.
At last night's meeting, Novice and Coleman administrators discussed what consolidation would look like, even if only temporarily.
"They initiated the talks with us and we want them to know that we are interested," said Coleman superintendent Royce Young.
Though in the early stages, Coleman ISD is already working out the details.
"So we're going to be working on some details concerning transportation. And then we'll need to take a look at their educational needs and make sure that we're ready and set up to provide whatever we need to provide for those students who will be coming in," said Young.
Coleman and Jim Ned ISD are two strong possibilities for the consolidation of Novice's schools. Both are still discussing if the merge is a reasonable option.
"We feel like both of those districts are quality districts. The kids would receive a good education. And probably have similar opportunities at both places. It's just pretty much the decision of which one seems to fit our kids best," said Dale Freeman, Novice superintendent.
But Coleman will take on more than just the students from Novice.
"If Novice ISD consolidates with Coleman ISD, the debt becomes Coleman ISD's debt. So that would be something that we would need to talk to tea about as far as pay back on that debt, and how we'd go about that," Young explained.
Money from the state would help with that debt, but some would come from school funds and tax dollars. But young said it's worth the money to take care of the kids.
"First and foremost, the kids are the number one issue. And we have to take care of the kids. And the money is important, but it's also secondary when you're talking about educating kids. And so, if this was not a doable situation, we wouldn't be looking at it," said Young.
At last night's meeting, Novice and Coleman administrators discussed what consolidation would look like, even if only temporarily.
"They initiated the talks with us and we want them to know that we are interested," said Coleman superintendent Royce Young.
Though in the early stages, Coleman ISD is already working out the details.
"So we're going to be working on some details concerning transportation. And then we'll need to take a look at their educational needs and make sure that we're ready and set up to provide whatever we need to provide for those students who will be coming in," said Young.
Coleman and Jim Ned ISD are two strong possibilities for the consolidation of Novice's schools. Both are still discussing if the merge is a reasonable option.
"We feel like both of those districts are quality districts. The kids would receive a good education. And probably have similar opportunities at both places. It's just pretty much the decision of which one seems to fit our kids best," said Dale Freeman, Novice superintendent.
But Coleman will take on more than just the students from Novice.
"If Novice ISD consolidates with Coleman ISD, the debt becomes Coleman ISD's debt. So that would be something that we would need to talk to tea about as far as pay back on that debt, and how we'd go about that," Young explained.
Money from the state would help with that debt, but some would come from school funds and tax dollars. But young said it's worth the money to take care of the kids.
"First and foremost, the kids are the number one issue. And we have to take care of the kids. And the money is important, but it's also secondary when you're talking about educating kids. And so, if this was not a doable situation, we wouldn't be looking at it," said Young.
