ROCKFORD, Iowa - The Iowa state legislature is looking at options to cut costs in schools. Senator Matt McCoy of Des Moines wants school districts with less than 750 students to consolidate. This would cut back on the total number of school districts and their operating costs. The plan would affect 20 of North Iowa's 27 school districts, but for some districts and their superintendents it would be nothing new. Superintendents like Steve Ward. Some days, Ward is a Warrior.
"I've been doing this 2 different times at the same 2 schools," said Ward walking the halls of the Rudd-Rockford-Marble Rock School.
But that's just on some days. Other days, he's be a Bearcat.
"It's a lot of extra work and, manageable. Apparently it's been working," said Ward.
That's because right now, Ward is serving as superintendent in both the Rudd-Rockford-Marble Rock and Greene school districts. The districts consolidated to save money.
"In the economic times we have in the state, and particularly in the school districts we have in North Iowa with the sparcity of population, it seems to be a good solution," said Ward.
Other districts in the state are also trying to save money in the Superintendent's office. Here at Ventura, they plan on combining the elementary school principal position with the superintendent position next year. Even larger districts like neighboring Clear Lake are looking for financial fix-its.
"We're in some trying times now,” said Clear Lake Superintendent Dwight Pierson, “I know our district right now is looking at everything. Everything's on the table so to speak."
The state government agrees. In addition to looking at districts consolidating there's even talk of going to a one superintendent per county structure. Something that local leaders tell us would have to maintain some of the current structure to work.
As for consolidating, Ward seems to be making it work. He's even getting ready to start as superintendent for Central Springs in July.
"They advertised, I applied for it,” said Ward. “I just thought it was just an exciting adventure to do that."
And as that adventure continues into the unknown, he and other superintendents say they're remembering what's important.
"It's imperative we continue to focus on what's best for kids," said Pierson.
"We need to become more efficient so we can provide better opportunities for the kids that we have," said Ward.
Ward says Rudd-Rockford-Marble Rock and Greene are both hunting for new superintendents so he can focus on his new position at Central Springs. Senator McCoy believes state-wide consolidation could save upwards of 50-million dollars.
