AlWood schedules tours during consolidation study

By Joanne Carlson | Thursday, October 18, 2007

WOODHULL, Ill. — Much of the recent AlWood School Board meeting was taken up with lengthy conversations between board members

and about 25 residents concerning the proposed consolidation between AlWood and ROWVA.

Dates were announced for visits to the various schools.

-- ROWVA tours, every 15 minutes from 1-4 p.m. Oct. 20.

-- Alpha elementary, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 29.

-- AlWood (all facilities), every 15 minutes 1-3 p.m. from Nov. 3, with a public forum at 3 p.m.

-- ROWVA, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Nov. 6, with a public forum at 7:30 p.m. in the gym.

Anyone who needs a ride to an open house may call the district office in Woodhull.

Dave Holmes, chairman of the Committee of Ten, said he hoped to have a booklet to be distributed on Oct. 29 concerning the consolidation proposition.

AlWood board president Mike Holt said November 2008 would be the earliest the proposition could get on the ballot. Superintendent Shannon Bumann said it will be the biggest decision for AlWood in 60 years since Alpha and Woodhull combined.

“We respect all your opinions, but we are never going to get everyone to agree on everything,” Holt said. “We all want our children to get the best education they can.  We (the board) have given this our best shot and we have done our best. This really can be a good thing for the community.”

Some residents were concerned the local board is no longer in contact with school officials from Galva, Cambridge or Orion about consolidation options.