ROCK FALLS – East Coloma Assistant Principal David Chavira made his final case for consolidation of the Nelson Elementary and East Coloma Elementary school districts at a hearing Thursday.

Regional Office of Education Superintendent Bob Sondgeroth now has 14 days to approve or deny the petition for consolidation and submit it to the Illinois State Board of Education.

Chavira said students in both districts would reap the benefits of smaller class sizes, more individualized instruction and expanded programs and class offerings. He said teachers could collaborate and develop curriculum together, offer intervention programs and elective classes and better monitor student progress.