Merger Talk: Proceed With Caution

From the Elmira (NY) Star-Gazette

Rendell's school merger idea deserves a look
But skeptics who say it must show considerable savings make a strong point
February 23, 2009

Less is more. At least, that's what Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell is thinking in asking his state's Legislature to appoint a commission to study the merger of the state's school districts.

His heart is in the right place. Anywhere the state can save money, even by trimming Pennsylvania's 500 school districts, would sound like a proposal that could make taxpayers happy.

But wait. The governor has a number in mind. It's 100, and that means an ambitious consolidation that is likely to strip some districts of their unique identities as they move in with a larger family of schools. As well-intended as the governor's efforts are, he is asking state officials to tinker with one of the sacred areas that causes anxiety among residents, especially in rural areas where schools are as important to communities as their churches.

Theoretically, fewer districts and more efficiency should yield school systems that can apply their money toward higher quality. But theory doesn't carry as much weight as the political backlash that can hammer local legislators who might have to explain to voters why their district is losing its identity in a larger collection of schools.

Legislators such as Rep. Matt Baker, R-Wellsboro, agree with Wellsboro schools Superintendent Phil Waber that the issue is worth studying. And why wouldn't they say that? There's nothing to lose at this stage of the process, and certainly there's a wealth of information to be gained.

Plus, if the legislatively appointed commission actually produces reliable information that consolidations would save money, then the discussions could go from theory to fact. But as Waber correctly points out, unless any such plan includes school closings, there's not likely to be much savings.

The governor's plan has several steps to take before it even comes close to reality. First, there has to be a study commission that is expected to come up with two plans. Then the public gets a chance to respond before the legislature, called the General Assembly in Pennsylvania, votes on each plan. Disapproval of the plans would throw the merger issue into the laps of the state Board of Education.

For now, the plan is just that. A plan. With further study, it can become a real talking point, and that's where a merger study must lead. But Waber is right. Unless it can save money, lots of it, a merger won't be much use.