News
News Home
Quick Bites Archive
Exploradio Archive
Programs Schedule Make A Pledge Member BenefitsFAQ/HelpContact Us
Education


Four Geauga school districts consider consolidating on the Kent State campus
Such mergers may be a sign of things to come in Ohio
by WKSU's M.L. SCHULTZE


Web Editor
M.L. Schultze
 
Berkshire is one of the districts considering a merger due to enrollment and budget cuts.
Courtesy of Berkshire school district

Four rural school districts in Northeast Ohio are taking steps to merge. The Newbury, Berkshire, Cardinal and Ledgemont school boards in Geauga County have agreed to work with Kent State’s Geauga campus on a study of consolidation.

John Manfredi, president of the Berkshire school district, says shrinking enrollment and school funding are likely to lead to more such mergers.

LISTEN: Manfredi on planning

Other options:
MP3 Download (0:20)


“This is not just about the way education has led up to this point. This is about what we believe the future is going to look like. We’re going to have to partner up as much as we can in order to give students a fighting chance going into this century.”

The proposal includes building a single high school on the Kent State Geauga campus. Manfredi says based on current enrollments, the single district would have graduating classes of about 250 students.

All the districts have been suffering from budget cuts and dwindling enrollments. He says both problems have cut options for students when it comes to the type of classes and extracurriculars.

LISTEN: Manfredi on choices
Other options:
Windows Media / MP3 Download
(0:20)

“Since you don’t have the sheer number of kids to be able to participate in any certain sport, you can’t offer that sport. So rather than cutting that sport or cutting any academics, what we’d be able to do is having a larger pool allowing the students to choose (from).” 

The four districts have agreed to a committee to study the logistics of consolidation -- including finances, staffing and use of existing buildings. 

One of the districts – Ledgemont – is in fiscal emergency. But a new state law would forgive the debt if the district consolidates by the end of next year. 

 
Page Options

Print this page



Copyright © 2025 WKSU Public Radio, All Rights Reserved.

 
In Partnership With:

NPR PRI Kent State University

listen in windows media format listen in realplayer format Car Talk Hosts: Tom & Ray Magliozzi Fresh Air Host: Terry Gross A Service of Kent State University 89.7 WKSU | NPR.Classical.Other smart stuff. NPR Senior Correspondent: Noah Adams Living on Earth Host: Steve Curwood 89.7 WKSU | NPR.Classical.Other smart stuff. A Service of Kent State University