August 23, 1977. In the mid-1960's the number of school-aged children in this country leveled off and began a decline that has continued. School consolidation, the merging of two or more school districts into one, is a possible approach to dealing with rising educational costs and declining enrollments.
Rex Honey, assistant professor and projects principal investigator, says, "Two of the most important factors being studied are the number of children who would attend a particular school and the distance they would travel if present district boundaries were redrawn."
Honey notes that more than 50 Iowa school districts have fewer than 300 children enrolled in kindergarten through twelfth grade. These districts have a difficulty time trying to offer a full complement of educational courses while staying within their operating budgets.
Although school consolidation might alleviate the condition, it is only one of three possible solutions being considered by the legislatures.
First, the state could let some school districts have more money than others.
Second alternative might be to allow some school districts to tax themselves at higher rates than others.
That brings us back to school consolidation; a plan with hidden costs.
Another hidden costs of consolidation would be its economic effect on local businesses.
What if Iowa one day decides to consolidate its school districts? It wouldn't be the first time. Honey points out consolidation brought about the end of the one-room school house in Iowa and other midwestern states.
September 10, 1977. Two Collins residents will be seeking to take the place of retiring director Jim Newton of District One: Shirley Klemme and Gary Horn. District Four -- Mike Mullihan, the incumbent is running unopposed.
Collins girls won their first game of the softball season defeating New Providence 7-4. Rhonda Smith allowed only 1 hit and walked 5. The Clipperettes had 7 hits with Jolene Brafford and Sheila Heidemann each had 2 hits.
September 14, 1977. School board elections returns. District One: Gary Horn 140, Shirley Klemme 62. District Four Mike Mullihan 137, write-in votes caste for Joe Rhoads 34.
September 26, 1977. Three studies are currently being conducted in the Collins community to consider future possibilities for the school. "The studies are being conducted independently of the school board," Rampulla said. "We are letting the citizens handle the whole thing."