LYLE, MN--Some are calling it a sign of the times, more and more school districts are looking for outside help to help reduce their own budgets. Four school districts in southern Minnesota are halfway through their 2-year study to see how they can best share resources and assets.
Lyle, Glenville-Emmons, Grand Meadow, and LeRoy all currently share special education services and area superintendents say the sky's the limit when it comes to what they can do. Textbooks, teachers, and even sharing 1 superintendent between the 4 are all possibilities.
The schools are currently linked between an internet television system, and are looking to further utilize that program as well.
Lyle Public Schools Superintendent Jerry Reshetar says, "The good part about this is I think it forces school districts and local governments to say how can we do this more efficiently. And I think that's what we owe our tax payers."
Reshetar says his job as superintendent won't be affected because he's nearing retirement. As well as LeRoy's superintendent. But Grand Meadow and Glenville will have to continue talks. Reshetar also wants to note no other staff positions or services will be cut.
He shares sharing agreement should be about streamlining the business side of education, "We say okay, we've got to get by with less, how do we do that? And that's why these schools have to come together and say let's figure out a way to do this. So we can reduce our cost and maintain our high level of education."
Officials think by October of next year an agreement will be signed and all of the elements will be in place to share teachers and resources. The districts will continue monthly meetings to discuss their options until then.
