Local schools study grade share option

STANTON/VILLISCA — The Stanton and Villisca School Boards have agreed to take part in a Joint Feasibility Study that would look into the possibility of whole grade sharing between the two districts.

The Stanton Board of Education approved the joint study, which will be conducted by Dr. Bob Decker of the College of Education at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) for a cost of $3,000 and a maximum of $500 in expenses.

Stanton Superintendent Judd Ashley said the cost would be $3,500 per district.

He added that the goal is for the study to be done this June, but it could take until the fall.

“I was impressed with Dr. Decker enough and I have the confidence in him that he can do a feasibility study on behalf of Stanton and Villisca,”  Ashley said.
The superintendents, as well as the presidents and vice presidents of the school boards for both Stanton and Villisca met Jan. 27 to discuss the possibility of a Feasibility study in regards to whole grade sharing and use Decker to conduct the study.

Ashley said the data can help the districts make a more efficient decision on whole grade sharing.

“Hopefully it will be data-driven and not just personal-opinion,” Ashley said about the Districts goal of the study.

The study will cover areas such as faculty/administration, organizational structure, athletics and activities, transportation, finance and much more.

Villisca has already been looking to whole grade sharing with the Corning School District.

Villisca already shares some programs with Corning, including the superintendent.

Villisca Superintendent William Stone was unavailable for comment.