KOLD News 13TUSD approves first merger under incentive program

TUSD approves first merger under incentive program

By J.D. Wallace - bio | email

TUCSON, AZ (KOLD) – Not everything stays the same, and some Wrightstown Elementary School parents said that Tucson Unified School District could have closed the school anyway.

"It should remain a school for, until the end of time," said Wrightstown fifth grader Noah Smith.

"I think it's a great school, I'd like to see it stay open but to be practical (it probably needs to close)," said Noah's mother, Lorrie Smith.

They decided that they might as well take charge and merge the eastside school and its 133 students with nearby Henry elementary next school year.

"The resources alone were just getting so small and so dire that it was getting impossible really to function," said Larry Berry, Wrightstown PTA president.

"We're here tonight to make a recommendation to the board to approve the merger," principal Jon Ben-Asher told the Tucson Unified School District governing board Tuesday night.  Site councils from both schools reviewed and approved the idea before taking it to the governing board.

Schools now have incentives to merge, such as transferring some positions and a part of the utility funds saved at the closed school to the other.  The district tried to close Wrightstown two years ago.

"I appreciate that this could be a much more difficult transition for your children if you weren't on board and positive about it," said governing board member Adelita Grijalva.

The board unanimously approved the merger.  But some parents still don't like the idea of merging their schools.

"I have a 12 year old daughter I don't want growing up any faster than necessary.  Putting her in a high school is just not good," said Carson Middle School parent Kathleen Arterberry about any possibility of merging Carson with Santa Rita High School.

But at a time of shrinking budgets, some Wrightstown parents said that they are making the decision before the board makes it for them.

"Look at it as an opportunity and if that opportunity is there, seize it.  But do examine it, and if it is not right for your community or school, there is nothing being forced at this point.  But there could be down the line, and you would be able to affect your own fate," Berry said.

The district estimates about $40,000 in utility savings.  But the total savings have yet to be calculated.  The empty school might be used in a way that could bring some money back to the district.

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