REORGANIZATION REORGANIZATION STUDYSTUDY

Georgetown-Ridge Farm CUSD #4

Westville CUSD #2May 13, 2015

Midwest School Midwest School ConsultantsConsultants

Dr. William H. PhillipsDr. William H. Phillips

Dr. Scott L. DayDr. Scott L. Day

Dr. Leonard R. BogleDr. Leonard R. Bogle

Purpose of a Feasibility StudyPurpose of a Feasibility Study

Provide participating districts with Provide participating districts with information which can help them information which can help them determine the best options for determine the best options for students, parents, and communities.students, parents, and communities.

Provide a neutral viewpoint based on Provide a neutral viewpoint based on the analysis of curriculum, finances, the analysis of curriculum, finances, staff needs, transportation issues, and staff needs, transportation issues, and facilities.facilities.

FINANCIAL COMPARISONSFINANCIAL COMPARISONSSchool District Financial ProfileSchool District Financial Profile

General State Aid, ADA, Personal Property General State Aid, ADA, Personal Property Replacement Tax, Operating Tax Expense, Replacement Tax, Operating Tax Expense, Property Tax Rates per Pupil, and General State Property Tax Rates per Pupil, and General State Aid per Pupil.Aid per Pupil.

Education Fund, Operations Fund, Education Fund, Operations Fund, Transportation Fund, IMRF, Bond & Interest Transportation Fund, IMRF, Bond & Interest Fund, Working Cash, Site & Construction, Fund, Working Cash, Site & Construction, Safety Prevention, EAV, and Projected Tax Rate Safety Prevention, EAV, and Projected Tax Rate of a new District.of a new District.

Incentive Payments.Incentive Payments.

FACILITIESFACILITIES

Number of buildingsNumber of buildings Grades housed in each buildingGrades housed in each building Building enrollments & capacitiesBuilding enrollments & capacities Age of facilitiesAge of facilities Life Safety/asbestosLife Safety/asbestos Accessibility for the physically Accessibility for the physically

challengedchallenged General upkeep & building conditionsGeneral upkeep & building conditions

TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTATION

Number of BusesNumber of Buses Number of Bus RoutesNumber of Bus Routes CostsCosts Number of students transportedNumber of students transported Route Mileage & CostsRoute Mileage & Costs Special Education BusesSpecial Education Buses Other Transportation Services & CostsOther Transportation Services & Costs

CURRICULUM COMPARISONSCURRICULUM COMPARISONS

Program highlightsProgram highlights Grade Level enrollments vs. numbers of Grade Level enrollments vs. numbers of

teachers in each communityteachers in each community Test scores-ISAT & PSAETest scores-ISAT & PSAE Junior High and High School courses & Junior High and High School courses &

electiveselectives High School schedule & graduation High School schedule & graduation

requirementsrequirements Final recommendations for participating Final recommendations for participating

districtsdistricts

Grade ConfigurationsGrade Configurations

The curricula of the two districts in the study are organized into grades K-5 and 6-8 with grade configurations. Georgetown-Ridge Farm CUSD #4 (1,054 students) consists of Pine Crest Elementary, grades PK-5 (499 students) and Mary Miller Junior High, grades 6-8 (237 students) at two separate sites.

Westville CUSD #2 (1,353 students) consists of Giacoma Elementary, grades PK-6 (719 students) and Westville Junior High, grades 7-8 (188 students) at two separate sites.

PK, Kindergarten, Early ChildhoodPK, Kindergarten, Early Childhood

Georgetown-Ridge Farm offers 3 sections of full-day Kindergarten with three teachers. Special education and Title 1 services are available for these students. The Pre-K program is serviced with two teachers (1PSFA, 1 ECSE). Early Childhood programming is available for 12 students. These programs are offered at Pine Crest Elementary School.

Westville Pre-K program at Giacoma Elementary is offered with 2 teachers (61 students). This site also offers ECH and a Care Classroom for Vermilion County. Giacoma Elementary offers 5 sections of full-day Kindergarten with 5 teachers.

PRE-K TO 8 SECTIONSPRE-K TO 8 SECTIONS

GradeGeorgetownRidge Farm

Westville

Pre-K 2 2

KG 3 5

1 4 5

2 4 4

3 3 4

4 3 4

5 3 4

6 3 4

7 3 5

8 3 5

Special Subject TeachersSpecial Subject Teachers

  Georgetown

Ridge FarmWestville

Band1 (6-12) 1 (5-12)

Chorus1 (6-12) 1 (5-12)

General Music1 (K-5) 2 (K-6)

Physical Education/Health

1 (K-5)

1 (6-8)

1 (K-6)

1 (7-8)

Demographic Comparisons

2014 ISBE Data  GeorgetownRidge Farm #4

Westville CUSD #2

4 year Graduation Rate 77% 90%

Attendance Rate 93% 95%

Low Income 63% 57%

Mobility Rate 11% 10%

Truancy Rate 7% 1.8%

Students with Disabilities 16% 16%

English Language Learners (ELL)

0.1% 0%

 

4 year Graduation Rate 77% 90%

Special Education ProgramsSpecial Education Programs

Georgetown-Ridge Farm CUSD #4 provides special education services at the elementary level (PK-5) houses the Early Childhood program at the high school building. The district also provides services with 3 certified staff (K-5) in 2 self-contained classrooms (K-3) and (4-5). Instruction is also provided for resource and/or co-teaching, Title 1 and Speech services. Mary Miller Junior High provides services (6-8) with 3 certified staff. Special education staff also provides support and instructional services, 504 plan management, co-teaching, Response to Intervention (RtI), Speech, Social Work, and Community Training. Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Hearing, and a School Psychologist are provided through the Vermilion County Special Education Cooperative (VASE).

Special Education Special Education ProgramsPrograms

Westville CUSD #2 employs 7 special education teachers, 2 cross-categorical teachers, and 1 early childhood teacher. The district houses elementary services at Giacoma Elementary with 6 sections of special education resource and 2 sections of self-contained instruction with 8 staff members. Westville Junior High offers services (7-8) with 2 certified teachers and 1 resource classroom. Core courses are co-taught. The building has also moved away from self-contained classrooms in Science and Social Studies. Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Hearing, and a School Psychologist are provided through the Vermilion County Special Education Cooperative (VASE).

Mary Miller Jr. HighMary Miller Jr. High

Georgetown-Ridge Farm students (6-8) (245 students) are taught in a junior high schedule at Mary Miller Junior High. Electives are offered in Band and Chorus (6-8). Girls and Boys sports teams include Basketball, Cross-Country, Track, Volleyball, Baseball, Archery, Volleyball, and Cheerleading. Clubs are offered in Spelling Team, Scholastic Bowl, Student Council, and Yearbook.

Westville Jr. High Westville Junior High School, grades 7-8

(188 students) receive Chorus, Band Study Skills, and Technology (6-8) as their elective courses. Students also receive a curriculum in Gateway to Technology (GTT) in which 7 & 8 grade core teachers co-teach with Science teachers. Girls and Boys sports teams include Basketball, Track, Volleyball, Baseball, Volleyball, and Cheerleading. Clubs include Student Council, Newspaper, and Yearbook.

Georgetown-Ridge Farm High School Several course options at various levels in Mathematics, Math

1 & 2, Basic Algebra, Algebra 1, Algebra 1 S2, Algebra 2 Concepts, Algebra 2, Algebra 2 Honors, Geometry Concepts, Geometry Honors, Trigonometry, and Calculus.

Science courses in General Science, Biology CT, Biology 1-3, Honors Biology, Chemistry 1, and Physics.

English courses in English 1& 2, English 1 & 2 SE, English 2-4 CT, English 4, English 4-101, and Literature.

Social Science courses ranging from American History, American History CT, Geography, Consumer Economics, Modern Problems, American Government, and History of US Crime.

Foreign Language is offered in Spanish 1-3. Business courses are offered in Accounting 1, Business

Technology, and Keyboarding.

Georgetown-Ridge FarmGeorgetown-Ridge Farm Family and Consumer Sciences offer courses in Child

Development, Family/Housing, and Orientation to Family.

Fine Arts-Drawing, Design, and Yearbook. Music-Chorus and Band. Industrial Technology courses are offered in

Introduction to Construction Trades, Construction Trades, and Building Trades 1-3.

Agriculture courses are offered in Introduction to Horticulture, Intro. to Agriculture, Agriculture Biology, and Agriculture Mechanics 1-2.

Physical Education is offered at all grade levels in Physical Education

Westville High SchoolWestville High School Course options at various levels in Mathematics, Applied Math, Algebra 1

& 2, Geometry, Trigonometry/Pre-Calculus, Statistics, and Calculus.

Science courses in Science are General Science, Biology 1, Anatomy & Physiology, Chemistry 1 & 2, Forensic Science, Conceptual Science 1, Physics, Environmental Science, Physical Science, Astronomy, and Zoology.

English offers courses in English 1-4, Honors English 1-4, College Prep English, Creative Writing, Publishing, Publications, Rhetoric & Composition 1 & 2, Speech, and Theater/Film.

Social Studies courses ranging from World History, Cultural History, Consumer Education, Representative Government, Brother Against Brother, Reconstruction, Psychology, Sociology, United States History, Modern United States & World History, Holocaust & Genocidal Studies, Ancient Civilizations, and The Creation of a Nation.

Foreign Language is offered in Spanish 1-4.

Westville High School Business Education courses are offered in Computer

Concepts/Intro. to Business, Computer Applications, Desktop Publishing, Business Management, Electronic Media Production, Cooperative Education,

Home Economics offer courses in Orientation to Home Economics, Food & Nutrition, Clothing & Textiles, Parenting 1 & 2, Living Environment, Adult Living, and Child Development.

Visual Arts courses in Art 1-4. Music offers organizational groups in Band, Concert Choir,

Jazz Band, and Jazz Combo. Industrial Technology courses are offered in Industrial

Technology Orientation, Manufacturing, Drafting/Construction Drawing/Estimating, and Construction 1 & 2.

Physical Education is offered at all grade levels in Physical Education, Health, and Driver Education.

HS Graduation RequirementsHS Graduation Requirements

Georgetown-Ridge Farm HSGeorgetown-Ridge Farm HSA high school student must complete 22 credits including the following to be eligible for graduation: 4 credits in English, 2 credits in social studies, 3 credits in Mathematics, 2 credits in Science, 1 semester in Health and Driver’s Education, 3 credits in Physical Education.

Westville HSWestville HSA high school student must complete 57 credits (counted each semester) including the following to be eligible for graduation: 6 credits (3 years) of Math-including Algebra and a course with Geometry content; 4 credits (2 years) of Science; 8 credits (4 years) of English, which includes 2 years of writing intensive courses; 5 credits (.5 year) of Social Science; 4 credits (4 years) in physical education; 1 credit in Health; and 2 credit in Consumer Education.

Additional Gains in Course OfferingsIn a Combined High School Curriculum

Department Courses from Georgetown Courses from Westville

Mathematics   Statistics

Science   Anatomy & Physiology

    Forensic Science

    Astronomy

    Zoology

English   Creative Writing

    Rhetoric & Composition

Speech

Theatre/Film

Combined HS Combined HS CurriculumCurriculum

Department Courses from Georgetown Courses from Westville

Social Studies History of US Crime Cultural History

    Reconstruction

    Brother Against Brother

    Psychology

    Sociology

    Holocaust & Genocidal Studies

    Ancient Civilization

    The Creation of a Nation

     

Business Accounting Electronic Media Production

    Cooperative Education

Combined HS Combined HS CurriculumCurriculum

Department Courses from Georgetown Courses from Westville

Foreign Language   Spanish 4

Industrial Technology Construction Trades Drafting (CAD) Construction Drawing/Estimating

  Building Trades 1 & 2  

Agriculture Introduction to Horticulture  

  Intro to Agriculture  

  Agricultural Biology  

  Agriculture Mechanics 1 & 2  

Home Economics   Foods & Nutrition

    Clothing & Textiles

Music   Jazz Band

Jazz Combo

Programmatic Programmatic ConsiderationsConsiderations

Existing special education program and services received by students will not be affected by reorganization. Special Education services could be combined as additional services are provided by the same cooperative (VASE).

The existing organization of grades into 6-8 or 7-8, among the two districts will have to be considered in a reorganized district. In the case of Westville, more classroom space would be available at the elementary level if the Middle School/Junior High site became a grades 6-8 facility and the elementary centers all became PK-5 schools. Giacoma Elementary would have four additional rooms free.

Programmatic Programmatic ConsiderationConsideration

Consider utilizing a high school facility (GFHS) for a new Junior High(+/- 450 students). Due to classroom space, shop facilities, and faculty expertise, a more enhanced curriculum could be provided (i.e., a more in-depth set of electives) in industrial technology, family & consumer sciences, technology courses, visual arts, and music. A survey course as an introduction to Spanish should also be considered.

At the high school level, departments from both high schools could be melded and course assignments determined by certification and areas of expertise. There are several cases in which the curriculum will be enhanced because both schools do not have identical courses and programs.

ENROLLMENTENROLLMENT

ENROLLMENTENROLLMENT Student projections are made using existing class Student projections are made using existing class

numbers to develop percentagesnumbers to develop percentages These percentages are applied to future classes These percentages are applied to future classes

using the Cohort Survival Methodusing the Cohort Survival Method Live births provided by the Census Bureau are Live births provided by the Census Bureau are

used to project Pre-K and K enrollmentsused to project Pre-K and K enrollments Each school in this study will see decreasing Each school in this study will see decreasing

student enrollment over the next five years.student enrollment over the next five years.

COUNTYPopulation Estimates  

2000 2010 GAIN/LOSS

Vermilion 19,791 19,818 27

VILLAGEPopulation Estimates  

2000 2010 GAIN/LOSS

       

Georgetown 3,628 3,474 -154

Ridge Farm 912 882 -30

Westville 3,175 3,202 27

TOTAL 7,715 7,558 -157

DISTRICT STUDENTS GAINED/LOST

2010-11 to 2014-15

Georgetown/Ridge Farm

- Pre k to 8 -50

- High School -17

Westville

- Pre K to 8 -26

- High School +11

DISTRICT STUDENTS GAINED/LOST

2014-15 to 2019-20

Georgetown/Ridge Farm

- Pre k to 8 -20

- High School -53

Westville

- Pre K to 8 -38

- High School -41

5 YEAR PROJECTIONS5 YEAR PROJECTIONS

PERCENT INCREASE BY GRADEPERCENT INCREASE BY GRADE

ENROLLMENT PERCENTAGE PROJECTIONS GEORGETOWN/RIDGE FARM

K K TO 1 1 to 2 2 to 3 3 to 4 4 to 5 5 to 6 6 to 7 7 to 8 8 to 9 9 to 10 10 to 11 11 to 12

7.64% 103.2% 87.43% 99.01% 100.00% 94.35% 103.09% 92.78% 99.7% 111.2%87.07

% 93.46% 88.15%

ENROLLMENT PERCENTAGE PROJECTIONS WESTVILLE

K K TO 1 1 to 2 2 to 3 3 to 4 4 to 5 5 to 6 6 to 7 7 to 8 8 to 9 9 to 10 10 to 11 11 to 12

9.92% 92.24% 98.51% 99.50% 95.31% 99.74% 101.46% 96.09% 100.00% 95.44% 94.23% 93.58% 94.15%

HIGH SCHOOL TOTALSHIGH SCHOOL TOTALSGEORGETOWN / RIDGE FARM HIGH SCHOOL

  9 10 11 12 TOTAL2010-11 87 75 80 93 3352011-12 95 73 72 70 3102012-13 103 77 69 69 3182013-14 94 96 66 58 3141014-15 85 84 93 56 318

PROJECTED          2015-16 96 74 79 82 3302016-17 82 83 69 69 3042017-18 79 71 78 61 2892018-19 72 69 67 69 2762019-20 79 63 64 59 265

WESTVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

  9 10 11 12 TOTAL2010-11 97 104 94 75 3702011-12 96 86 92 81 3552012-13 98 93 81 85 3572013-14 90 91 92 79 3521014-15 114 89 85 93 381

PROJECTED          2015-16 102 107 83 80 3732016-17 81 96 101 78 3562017-18 95 76 90 95 3572018-19 93 90 72 85 3392019-20 101 88 84 67 340

COMBINED HIGH SCHOOLS COMBINED HIGH SCHOOLS

COMBINED 6,7,8COMBINED 6,7,8

ENROLLMENT SUMMARYENROLLMENT SUMMARY

GRADE LEVEL CHANGE 2014-15 to 2019-20

HIGH SCHOOLS -94 (699 to 605)

6, 7, 8 -52 (533 to 481)

BUILDINGSBUILDINGS

BUILDINGSBUILDINGS

Georgetown/Ridge Farm High SchoolSingle story structure constructed in 1975. 1984 – 6 classroom addition and weight roomLarge gymnasium can seat 1,500. Band room opens into the gym providing easy access for games and concerts. Auto and welding shop and a woods and metal shop provide the opportunity for students to learn these skills on campus. Heating and cooling is provided through rooftop units These units are computer-controlled. Plumbing in good condition; no electrical needs or issues were identified in the 2005 Health Life Safety Report. Handicapped accessible.

BUILDINGSBUILDINGSGeorgetown/Ridge Farm High School

Only one classroom not used on a regular basis Houses 318 students Little opportunity for adding a large number of students to this facilityIf the superintendent’s office is removed this would create four additional classrooms Early Childhood classes could be moved which could provide for 80 to 100 additional students to be housed in this facility Increase capacity to 480 – 6,7,8,at or over 500 for coming years

Needsreplace the carpet with tilecosmetic improvements in the classrooms and hallwaysnew labsmedia/computer center

BUILDINGSBUILDINGS

Mary Miller Junior High SchoolConstructed in 1960 Houses 296 studentsWell-maintained with all health-life safety requirements completedGymnasium meets the needs; floor is two years oldLarge band room, a chorus and music room All of the rooms are currently in use. Building is air-conditioned (window units) No plumbing, boiler or electrical issues Totals for the combined 6th grades would be 181Reduces student stress on Mary Miller and good transition from grade school to middle school

Westville Junior High SchoolHouses 7th and 8th = 192 studentsOriginal building 1955 1990 addition containing a science room and music room No extra rooms available Lunch prepared at the high school; three lunch periodsNo reports of asbestos, plumbing or electrical concerns Boilers in good conditionAll rooms are air-conditioned and handicapped accessible

If the junior high was reconfigured to a 6,7,8 format, this building would be available for use by the high school to accommodate the 9th grade students (198) in a Freshmen campusCurrent and projected 9th grade numbers show this building could house them without any space issues

Westville High SchoolBuilt in stages 1929First addition - 1954 1968 addition has cafeteria, kitchen, industrial arts, 2 science rooms, chemistry room, 2 computer labs, a classroom and a large janitor’s closet1982 addition - large gymnasium, computer lab, weight room, 13 classrooms, art room, band room, teachers’ lounge and numerous storage roomsNo asbestos, electrical, or plumbing issuesEntire building is air-conditionedMeets handicapped accessibility requirementsCafeteria can house 150 – 175 students

NeedsAddition of auditorium for music/band/drama would help these programsPaved lot at the high school needs to be resurfaced Student lot would need to be expanded and paved

Can house approximately 600; 10th through 12th grade = 500Could house these students using the 9th grade campus concept

SummaryCombining these two districts presents a challenge in that neither high school is large enough to contain the students who will come to them.

This challenge can be made into an opportunity by creating a 6th grade center at Mary Miller Junior High and a 9th grade center at Westville Junior High.

Both centers provide the opportunity for these students to make the transition from elementary to junior high and from junior high to high school smoother.

The issues that arise in these situations concern getting the students to certain classes such as band, chorus, and art but these transportation issues are small when compared to building classrooms to accommodate the numbers.

TRANSPORTATIONTRANSPORTATION

FLEET SUMMARYFLEET SUMMARY

REGULAR ROUTES

  Georgetown/Ridge Farm Westville

# Buses 8 14

# Vans 0 Owns van

Type of Program Lease (own 1) Lease

Regular Route Information

 Georgetown/Ridge Farm Westville

Average - All Districts

# Routes 5 10  Cost $245,454 $434,968 $340,211 # Students Transported 591 1064 828 Cost/student $415.32 $408.80 $412 Regular Route Miles 48677 76043 62,360Cost/mile $5.04 $5.72 $5.38

SPECIAL EDUCATION ROUTESSPECIAL EDUCATION ROUTES

VOCATIONAL

Special Education Information

 Georgetown/Ridge

Farm WestvilleAverage - All

Districts# Students Transported 39 32 36 Cost $126,324 $117,376 121,850 Miles 30,518 25,012 27,765 Cost/student $3,239 $3,668 3,454 Cost/mile $4.14 $4.69 $4.42

Vocational Transportation Information

 Georgetown/Ridge

Farm WestvilleAverage - All

Districts# Students Transported 41 82 61Cost $16,452 $15,607 $16,030Miles 4814 3046 3930Cost/Mile $3.42 $5.12 $4.27Cost/Student $401.27 $190.33 $295.80

Other Transportation Information

 Georgetown/Ridge

Farm WestvilleAverage - All

DistrictsCost $56,722 $8,999 $32,861Miles 20,281 24,206 22,244

Cost/mile $2.80 $0.37 $1.58

TOTAL TRANSPORTATION COST $428,500 $576,950 $502,725

Cost to transport students for high school attendance

176 days x 10 miles/day x $5.38/mile Figuring 3 buses

$28,406

Cost to transport students for junior high (6,7,8) school attendance

176 days x 10 miles/day x $5.38/mile Figuring 4 buses

$37,875

Cost to transport students for co-curricular activities (Junior High and High School)

180 days x 10 miles/day x $5.38/mile Figuring 2 buses

$19,368

TOTAL NEW COST: $76,180 - $16,452 = $59,728.00

FINANCIAL AREASFINANCIAL AREAS

PROPERTY TAX RATES AND EXTENSIONSPROPERTY TAX RATES AND EXTENSIONS

FundGeorgetown-Ridge

Farm CUSD #4Rate Westville CUSD #2 Rate

Ed. 1,199,848 1.98 1,045,521 2.37

OBM 299,976 .49 220,532 .50

Trans. 119,924 .19 88,213 .20

Sp. Ed. 30,011 .04 17,640 .04

Working Cash 30,011 . 04 22,053 .05

Bonds 621,101 1.92 349,252 .79

IMRF 192,048 .31 343,574 .77

Social Security 226,063 .37 -0- .0

TORT 360,032 .57 171,000 .38

Lease 30,011 . 04 22,053 .05

Life Safety 30,011 .04 22,053 .05

Total 3,122,938 5.16 2,260,998 5.12

GENERAL DISTRICT COMPARISONSGENERAL DISTRICT COMPARISONS2013-142013-14

 Georgetown-Ridge Farm

CUSD #4Westville CUSD #2

Average Daily Attendance

974 1,127

General State Aid Revenue

4,287,223 5,647,756

GSA Revenue/Per Student

4,401 3,913

Total District Expenditures

10,495,672 10,748623

Operating Expense Per Pupil

9,441 10,566

Assessed Valuation Per Pupil

62,242 39,136

Total Certified Staff (2013-2014)

83 89

Average Teacher’s Salary (2013-2014)

47,722 43,712

EAV 2013-2014 60,624,622 44,106,378

GENERAL STATE AID COMPARISONSGENERAL STATE AID COMPARISONS

 Georgetown-Ridge Farm

CUSD #4

Westville CUSD #2

General State Aid 2013-2014

4,287,223 5,647,756

Average Daily Attendance 2013-2014

974 1,127

ADA 2012-2013 1029 1,132

ADA 2011-2012 1013 1,176

Personal Property Replacement Tax 2013-

2014152,809 189,495

Operating Tax Expense Per Pupil

9,441 8,388

REORGANIZATION STUDY:REORGANIZATION STUDY:Background InformationBackground Information

The actual tax rates to be utilized by both districts would be voted upon at the referenda for the major tax rates of Ed., OBM, and Transp.

Both districts have a bond levy rate to pay off its outstanding bonds of various varieties. Bonds continue to be the responsibility of the original district that sold the bonds.

Teacher tenure is maintained for all certified employees. ESP personnel utilize a combined employees. ESP personnel utilize a combined seniority list for staffing levels in new district.seniority list for staffing levels in new district.

Collectively bargained contracts are nullified.Collectively bargained contracts are nullified. Other multi-year agreements must be honored.Other multi-year agreements must be honored.

2014 EAV

Georgetown-Ridge Farm CUSD #460,624,622

Westville CUSD #244,106,378

  Total Total Extension

Georgetown-Ridge Farm CUSD #4

Total K-12 rate of  

5.16

 

3,122,938Westville CUSD #2

Total K-12 rate of  

5.12

 

2,260,996

Total Extension   5,383,934

New Projected Tax RateNew Projected Tax Rate

The tax rates the new district will be determined by the Committee of Ten and approved in the referendum with the exception of the Bond & Interest rate which will remain different until bonds previously sold by both districts are paid off.

The author feels that the current rate is adequate but the new district may need to increase the current rates in determining the future financial needs of the district due to the decline of state support for education in the recent past.

The projected tax rate only generates the same amount of revenue that current districts enjoy.

STAFF AND ADASTAFF AND ADA

Teacher tenure is guaranteed for certified staff that are Teacher tenure is guaranteed for certified staff that are maintained by the new district. maintained by the new district.

Moderate ability to reduce staff to any significant degree for a Moderate ability to reduce staff to any significant degree for a newly reorganized district.newly reorganized district. This factor would be determined by existing school This factor would be determined by existing school

districts prior to a reorganization referendum and new districts prior to a reorganization referendum and new district would determine future staffing levels.district would determine future staffing levels.

All districts decreasing enrollment.All districts decreasing enrollment. There probably are savings to be realized in consolidation of There probably are savings to be realized in consolidation of

central offices and perhaps in junior/ high school staff which central offices and perhaps in junior/ high school staff which may be duplicated.may be duplicated.

REORGANIZATION STUDY:REORGANIZATION STUDY:Background InformationBackground Information

Substantial IncentivesSubstantial Incentives Will incentives actually exist?Will incentives actually exist? While incentives have been prorated in the While incentives have been prorated in the

past, they have always been restored. past, they have always been restored. However, future is problematic.However, future is problematic.

INCENTIVESINCENTIVES General State Aid Incentive

GSA Difference Incentive = $165,368 $41,342 annually for four years.Deficit Fund Balance Incentive = $-0- $4,000 Certified Staff Incentive = $2,220,000

$740,000 At the end of the second, third year and fourth year

of the new district Salary Difference Incentive  = $1,427,560 $356,890 annually for four years.Incentive funds are unrestricted for district use.

Total Incentives = $3,812,928

REORGANIZATION RECOMMENDATIONREORGANIZATION RECOMMENDATION There are eleven current allowable procedures for the There are eleven current allowable procedures for the

merger of school districts in the State of Illinois merger of school districts in the State of Illinois It is the recommendation of the consultants that the

Georgetown-Ridge Farm and Westville Unit districts utilize an Article 11-AE reorganization process to merge the districts into a new unit district. In this reorganization method a new school district is created with a new school board and all collectively bargained agreements are nullified but individual and corporate multi-year agreements must be honored.

This reorganization method requires approval by both districts in a referendum.

RATIONALERATIONALE Together the districts would become more fiscally and financially

stable. The junior and senior high curriculum would be greatly enhanced by

coalescing the enrollment of the junior high and high schools and most likely an improved junior high and high school curricular offering.

The various tax rates, teacher salary schedules, could be equalized for all community citizens.

An “economy of scale” in purchasing would be realized with increased size of the school district and its concurrent purchasing power.

Curriculum articulation between the districts would be guaranteed in a unit district, eliminating the various textbooks, testing programs.

ARTICLE 11E Consolidation ARTICLE 11E Consolidation SUMMARYSUMMARY

This process may begin in one of two ways. The Boards of Education in the affected district(s) may petition the Regional Superintendent for consolidation. or/ The petition for consolidation may also be made by 200 valid signatures of the registered voters, at least 50 of which must come from each district.After a petition is received by the Regional Superintendent. The Regional Superintendent holds a hearing at which the Regional Superintendent submits maps, report of financial and educational conditions of the districts involved, and the probable effect of the proposed changes. Any resident of the territory in the affected districts may appear at the hearing and present evidence in support of, or in opposition to the petition. Within ten days of the hearing, the Regional Superintendent shall render a decision.The State Superintendent is also required to render a decision.

PublicationsPublications Phillips, W., Day, S., & Bogle, L. (2014). “School District

Reorganization in Illinois: Navigating your Options”.  Illinois Association of School Boards. Springfield, IL.

Phillips, W. & Day, S. (2004). “Exploring Realities of Reorganization: Phillips, W. & Day, S. (2004). “Exploring Realities of Reorganization: Navigating your Options”. Navigating your Options”. The Illinois School Board JournalThe Illinois School Board Journal, 72, (4), , 72, (4), 10-15. July/August10-15. July/August

Phillips, W. (2006). “Consolidation Proposal Expert Analysis”. Phillips, W. (2006). “Consolidation Proposal Expert Analysis”. State State School News Service, January 2006. School News Service, January 2006. Retrieved online from Retrieved online from www.stateschoolnews.com

Phillips. W., Day.Scott, Bogle. L. (2014) “Exploring School District Phillips. W., Day.Scott, Bogle. L. (2014) “Exploring School District Reorganization in Illinois”. IASB Publication, Springfield, Il..Reorganization in Illinois”. IASB Publication, Springfield, Il..

PublicationsPublications

Phillips, W. (2006). “Proposed Legislation Realigns Phillips, W. (2006). “Proposed Legislation Realigns Reorganization”. Reorganization”. The Illinois School Board JournalThe Illinois School Board Journal, 74, , 74, (2), 7-10. March/April(2), 7-10. March/April

Phillips, W. (2007). “New Reorganization Law: Expert Phillips, W. (2007). “New Reorganization Law: Expert Analysis.” Analysis.” State School News Service, State School News Service, AprilApril

Phillips, W. (2012). “Phillips, W. (2012). “The Mechanics of School The Mechanics of School Consolidation.” Consolidation.” Illinois ASBO Update, Spring EditionIllinois ASBO Update, Spring Edition

Questions from the Questions from the AudienceAudience

Dr. William PhillipsDr. William Phillips

217 206-7155217 206-7155

phillips.william@uis.eduphillips.william@uis.edu