Hearing set with regional supt.
Nelson, East Coloma pushing for merger
ROCK FALLS – A committee pushing for consolidation of the Nelson Elementary and East Coloma Elementary school districts will have a hearing Thursday before the regional superintendent.
A committee of five officials from each district will present its case one last time. Organized opposition groups, if any, also will present their positions. Residents of both school districts will have a final opportunity to share their feelings, whether they choose to speak or submit written testimony.
The hearing is open to the public, Regional Office of Education Superintendent Bob Sondgeroth said.
The regional superintendent then has 14 days to make a decision; he must file his decision with the Illinois State Board of Education. The state superintendent then has 21 days to approve or deny the proposal.
If Sondgeroth and the state superintendent approve the consolidation, and no organized groups appeal the decision within the alloted time, residents of both school districts will vote in a referendum to merge the schools, as well as for new school board members, in April.
Voters must approve the referendum if consolidation is to take effect by next fall.
