By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
Declining enrollment and the economics that go along with that decline is forcing the Raton Public School Board of Education to consider consolidating schools.
The board has asked Superintendent Dr. Neil Terhune to investigate the matter and present to them a number of consolidation scenarios for the board to consider. The economics behind a declining enrollment are also pushing the need to consolidate and the savings could be substantial. Just shutting down one school building could save the district over $25,000 in utility costs. The savings from cuts to staff and faculty vary according to Dr. Terhune but upwards to as much $400,000 a year.
KRTN sat down with Dr. Terhune Friday morning so he could explain in detail the how and whys of the decision to consolidate. There are a number of factors that involved including state funding. The school board and Dr. Terhune are asking for your input. As Dr. Terhune explains this will be a tough decision and most likely won’t be a popular one once its made thats why they are asking for your input. Dr. Terhune is going to place surveys out in the community hoping for a good response as to how the community wants to see this happen.
