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Mayor pushing for Kewanee-Wethersfield consolidation

A push is underway to consolidate the Kewanee and Wethersfield school districts, and it could ultimately be up to voters to decide whether the merger is a good ...

A push is underway to consolidate the Kewanee and Wethersfield school districts, and it could ultimately be up to voters to decide whether the merger is a good idea.

Mayor Bruce Tossell has formed a Committee of Ten, made up of parents, former teachers and community members, to oversee the campaign. Tossell held a second public meeting on the idea Monday, September 29, 2014, at the Black Hawk College Community Education Center.

"I think it's the right thing to do for Kewanee. We've had declining enrollment in both schools over the years, and the educational opportunities, I believe they will be better for the students, and that's what it's all about," said Tossell.

The committee will first need to complete a feasibility study, and then collect at least 50 signatures from residents of each district to place the consolidation question on the April ballot.

A new, united district would also mean a new tax rate for the city, and any potential merger would have to be approved by voters in both the Kewanee and Wethersfield school districts.

"I'm glad we're gonna put it on the ballot. You know, it was rejected by the voters on one side of town eight years ago overwhelmingly, and I don't know why the mayor would be bringing this up. The city has enough problems to worry about," said Andy Koehler, a city council member and graduate of Wethersfield High School who attended Monday's meeting.

Tossell, though, said he believes there's public support for consolidation, and plans to present his idea to the Wethersfield School Board at its next meeting. If both districts agree to participate, the state will contribute money for the feasibility study.

"We're gonna let the people decide, have a voice at this one time, and see if they agree," said Tossell.

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