Bismarck Tribune - North Dakota News - Explore all options at rural schools

Explore all options at rural schools

Nov 08, 2007 - 04:04:54 CST

The state Department of Public Instruction should make a special effort to help the people of the two school districts in Sheridan County explore all their options for educating the schools' students.

Consolidation of rural school districts in the state can be the only sensible way to go in some instances, but it might feel so wrong to the people of a school district that they will resist it as long as possible.

At Goodrich, for example.

Tuesday, voters rejected consolidation with McClusky by more than 2-to-1. Voters of both districts had to approve for the joining to happen. McClusky folks did, but that doesn't matter.

It should be noted that Goodrich has far fewer students than the neighboring district. Perhaps that contributed to the majority of voters wanting to keep their school independent and in operation as long as they can. Their feelings certainly are to be respected. The question is how long the status quo can be managed.

As it is, the per-student cost to educate those in the Goodrich school district is $12,125 a year. The average of all the state's school districts in 2005-06 was $7,438.

The school has 37 students now. The number is projected to be 17 five years from now.

Maybe the school can operate for another year or two, says the superintendent.

The school's students receive a fine education, according to reports. Teachers are able to give the few students a great amount of attention, and distance learning technology helps. It's apparent that the thinking in the Goodrich school is not trapped inside the proverbial box.

The DPI reasonably promotes regional education associations as a means of delivering educational services. The Missouri River Ed Cooperative, in whose territory both Goodrich and McClusky along with 31 other districts are located, might provide more resources.

Through joint powers agreements, school districts can work together - to the extent and in a design that fits their circumstances - as a possible alternative to consolidation.

It's a consideration not only for the Goodrich and McClusky school patrons but also throughout the state, since declining student counts are common. An impressive 90 percent of the state's districts do participate, in some way or another, in the nine regional associations.

It will take all the creativity and venturing spirit of people in districts, such as Goodrich and McClusky, to continue to provide public education. They aren't on their own as they face their challenges. That's part of the reason for the existence of the public education department.

The goal is delivering education. That even comes above keeping particular schools open, as important as that is to towns struggling to maintain their healthy existence.

News > Opinion

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Comments

Stephen Eastin, Opinion Page Editor wrote on Nov 10, 2007 10:51 AM:

" To Who Wrote This Editorial: The writer was Stephen Eastin, opinion page editor of the Bismarck Tribune. The topic was discussed at the regular meeting of the newspaper's editorial board and was reviewed by other editors. My direct line telehone number at the Tribune is 250-8253, and I also can be reached at stephen.eastin@bismarcktribune.com. "

Who wrote this editorial wrote on Nov 8, 2007 5:57 PM:

" Anyone know who the author of this editorial is? "

Let it buck wrote on Nov 8, 2007 2:29 PM:

" I say run Goodrich until it is no longer able. If the funding is still there run it. Look at the jobs it provides and the education is great. It does not make sence to shut down unless they can no longer operate. "

Coyote wrote on Nov 8, 2007 11:18 AM:

" Obvisously your from McClusky. How many of the 37 students live west of a line intersecting Goodrich? Even with all 37 going to McClusky was does that put the class size at? 10 maybe 20? Give the people of Goodrich a little more credit they voted for a choice that you can't concieve because you wnated a different result. "

Dustin wrote on Nov 8, 2007 9:38 AM:

" 37 students? Let's run broadband lines to each of their houses and set up a video conferencing system where they can interact with the next school district. It has to be cheaper than $12,000 per student. "

kk wrote on Nov 8, 2007 9:27 AM:

" if you close them they will never open again~ think this one out~ and people of the communities~ time to step up and voice your opinion~ "

Sheridan Co. Coyote wrote on Nov 8, 2007 8:14 AM:

" Both McClusky and Goodrich School Boards supported the plan that was laid out. Kudos to the McClusky voters who looked at the big picture- to keep a school in Sheridan County to faciilitate an area where the distance to a neighboring school would be substantial for some students and keep the per student costs as low as possible. There has been an effort for over 20 years to keep these communities working together toward this goal. It's too bad that a very, very few short sighted people used misinformation and scare tactics to get what they wanted. The trickle down from this vote will be substantial. "

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