Hiawatha board declines feasibility study

KIRKLAND – With just one dissenting vote, the Hiawatha Board of Education decided it didn't need a feasibility study to decide on consolidation with another district, dissolution of the district or deactivation of the high school.

"We're financially stable, and we have great test scores," board President James Williams said.

The only board member expressing support for a study was Henry Burgweger.

"I think we should go ahead with the study. It would just provide more information to help us decide which direction we want to go," Burgweger said.

"The final decision would be left up to the public. We just need facts and figures."

"Most residents don't want any part of consolidation. The majority of people want to keep their high school here in town," board Vice President Jack Novelli said. "How long are we going to beat this dead horse?"

"No matter what we do, we're not going to make everyone happy," board member Martin Banks said.

A teacher in a larger school district, parent Tammy Hamrick said she has three children in Hiawatha schools. She offered board members a folder full of research she had completed showing that consolidation is not always the best option.

"Why fix something that's not broken?" Hamrick asked.
 
Superintendent Christine Demory said the board has been discussing a feasibility study for more than a year, and it has nothing to do with the two failed April 7 building referendums, seeking $7.4 million for additions to the school buildings.

Demory told the board that, because of the district's solid financial status, she is confident the district can fund $4 million in construction bonds without an increase to the property tax rate. She pointed to the potential for federal Build America grant funds, which could cover 35 percent of the total bond cost.

The funds are available for two years, and Demory said there is no limit to the amount available.