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School revisits future
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MONROE - For the benefit of community members, the New Glarus school district will take another look at the option of consolidating with Belleville and Monticello school districts.

A study on consolidating New Glarus, Belleville and Monticello school districts was presented by Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance Sept. 21 in Belleville.

That presentation will be repeated for the New Glarus community on Monday, followed by a slide presentation of the school district's maintenance and space needs from Interim Superintendent Dr. William Conzemius.

Conzemius said the board is asking the public to "really explore" and to work together.

"We have a variety of building and space needs, and the board, after a failed referendum, is regrouping. They will ask what can we do and can't do in a conversation without foregone conclusions," Conzemius said.

After the consolidation and slide presentations, the board will ask people in attendance for their input. Members of Belleville and Monticello school districts are welcome to attend, he added.

The school districts of Belleville, Monticello and New Glarus (BMNG) asked the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance (WISTAX) to analyze the fiscal impacts of merging in early 2009.

The study revealed that Belleville and New Glarus, both with growing enrollments, face space issues in the near future. Each is expected to increase by about 50 students. Monticello's enrollment is expected to drop by about 20 students, which could lead to financial stress from tightening revenue limits.

Under consolidation, the state would provide incentive payments over five years, totaling more than $12 million.

WISTAX also determined a consolidated district would likely be able to operate at about 5 percent less than the current sum of the three districts, saving an additional $2.4 million over four years.

The study also concluded that a new centrally-located high school would be needed, at an estimated building cost of $50 million.

The special meeting of the New Glarus School District Board begins at 7 p.m. Feb. 1 at the New Glarus High School, Library Room No. 183.