Union of East Coloma, Nelson worth pursuing

Officials at two more Rock Falls area school districts have talked about joining forces. Good for them.

School boards for East Coloma and Nelson got together this week to discuss the issue. Board members decided they wanted to find out more about the pros and cons of consolidation.

So, superintendents for the 270-student East Coloma K-8 district and 30-student Nelson K-8 district will gather information and share it.

Board members’ interest might have been whetted by two nearby districts that decided to take the plunge.

Riverdale Elementary and Rock Falls Elementary studied consolidation last year and decided it was right for them. In Riverdale’s case, the difficult economy had a big say in board members’ decision. Money was running out, and student enrollment was stagnant.

The Riverdale district will join Rock Falls Elementary the first of July, its 65 students will attend Rock Falls Elementary schools, and its building will become a preschool center.

Problem solved.

By contrast, Nelson has fewer students but enough money to operate for the time being. But, as Nelson is the smallest public school district in the state, it is logical to consider alternatives for the future of its students and taxpayers.

In East Coloma, Nelson might just have a perfect partner. East Coloma has plenty of room for additional students. The schools already have cooperative teams in athletics and cheerleading. The buildings are close – less than 5 miles apart – so bus travel times would be minimal.

And it appears all of Nelson’s teachers would be absorbed into the expanded district.

After board committees study the matter, another joint meeting likely will be held. And, at some point, public input will be sought.

We state the obvious when we say that excellent education is key to surviving and thriving in the 21st century. The challenge is how to achieve it while dealing with the financial realities forced upon the region by a sluggish economy and global competition.

One way is for schools to seek out and incorporate every possible efficiency that can be found.

In the name of government efficiency, improved educational opportunities, and protecting taxpayers’ wallets, let the merger discussions proceed with vigor.