(Terril)– They aren’t being forced to do anything yet, but members of a committee looking into possible options for the future of the Terril school district say it’s important they come up with a plan before it gets to that point.
That was the message they relayed at a public meeting Wednesday evening that drew about 150 people.
Committee Chairman Steve Hanson told the crowd they’ll recommend to the school board whatever’s necessary to continue the quality of education Terril has become known for. High School Principal Dan Mart assurred the crowd that keeping some sort of a presence in Terril is an important part of the committee’s mission statement.
Financial and enrollment information was presented…projecting further declines in the future. Last year alone, the district posted a 75-thousand dollar deficit in its general fund. The district has been able to cover the deficits by dipping into cash reserves…which have dropped from 550-thousand in 1997 to 310-thousand dollars at the end of last year.
Superintendent Bruce Tepfer says the school board still hasn’t set a definite timeframe as to when they want a recommendation from the committee.
The sharing committee will start meeting with neighboring districts next week. They’ll meet with Okoboji next Wednesday.
