Northshire merger study committee nearing decision

MANCHESTER — The Northshire Merger Study Committee is preparing to vote on whether or not it is advisable for its member school districts to merge. The vote is scheduled for November 7. If the committee determines merger is advisable, it will subsequently finalize a study report to be sent to the Agency of Education.

The committee is urging community members to engage in the process and provide input. “The group has worked tirelessly throughout the summer and fall exploring the implications and benefits associated with merging our districts,” said committee chair Jon Wilson (Manchester). “While we have been soliciting input throughout this process, we are currently wrapping up our research and developing our final recommendations. It is crucial that concerned citizens take this opportunity to provide any final feedback before we send our report to the state.” The study committee is planning on sending its report to the State Board of Education in time for its December meeting in Barre. “Once the State Board approves a study report, the proposed by-laws cannot be altered until it reaches the voters,” added Vice-Chair Richard Grip (Dorset). “If we get approval from the state, we will then transition from soliciting feedback to educating the public on the details so they can cast an informed vote next spring.”

The committee will meet on Nov. 7 at 6 p.m. at location to be determined later. It will also hold a public forum at the Manchester Community Library on Thursday, Nov. 3 at 6 p.m.

For more information, contact Jon Wilson at jon.wilson@brsu.org.