Arthur-Lovington Annexation Discussions
A consulting group met with the Arthur school board and the Lovington school board Monday night to discuss the results of the feasibility of the Arthur school district "annexing" the Lovington school district. With shrinking enrollments and financials stressed by delayed state payments, data from an earlier proposal including a four district consolidation was review with only the Arthur and Livington shool districts involved.
It was stressed that this was just a preliminary feasibility inquiry.
"Annexation" differs from "consolidation" in that with annexation, one district disolves and the remaining district absorbs the area, responsibilities and resources. In a "consolidation' all groups disolve and a completely new district is formed.
< p align="left">However, with both districts having good grade school facilities and the Arthur High School having adequate and up to date facilities with no need for any additional construction to accomdate the influx, the consulting group strongly advocated the benefits of the annexation proposition. With an annexation as proposed, Lovington would continue with the grade school in place and all high school students would transfer to the Arthur facility. The Lovington school board would disband and the Arthur school board would continue as is and would in effect take control of and be responsible for the current Lovington assets including students, buildings, staffs, and equipment
The consultant's findings indicated that in using the annexation method, Lovington residents would see a significant reduction in their taxes, Arthur tax rates would not change, the Lovington staff would join into a significantly higher contract rate, and the combined student body population would allow for increased classroom opportunities for all. At the next election cycle, Lovington residents would have the opportunity to run for representation on the newly expanded Arthur School Distict board. The newly expanded district could expect to gain some cost savings in the future with the expanded student and geographical basis, leading to a stronger district overall.
Lastly, while current stae payments are running behind and have no guarantees of being paid, an annexation agreement would additionally generate almost 1.4 million dollars in additional one time revenue to the district over four years, with no strings attached as to its use.
Both school boards and some local residents in attendance at both meetings appeared to react favorable to continuing the discussion.
