The Crescent-Iroquois #249 school district voters will get their say on whether to consolidate with the Watseka Unit 9 district. The referendum question will go before voters in the April 2019 Consolidated Election.

The C-I 249 Board of Education voted to place the question before voters.

It was a 5-2 vote (Monday). School board members felt the decision should be a district vote, not just seven board members.

Several meetings have stirred different thoughts. Many fear the community losing its identity. Others have stated they favor a consolidation rather than annexation.

The use of the Crescent City grade school building in the immediate future has been discussed by the Unit Nine Board. The classroom space in Crescent City could prove valuable should the Nettie Davis school in Watseka close. The Nettie Davis building has been the victim of too many floods in recent years.

Pro and con talk often times refers to class size and quality education. No one questions the quality of education offered, yet the lack of numbers (enrollment) will affect tax dollars.

Parents favor smaller class size with productive teacher vs student ratios.

Future committee meetings are expected to present more facts for voters to consider. The Regional School Superintendent will weigh-in after public hearings are scheduled. The state would then decide if the consolidation issue would appear on the ballot.

94.1 WGFA