Carlton Board needs to listen to community

To the editor:

The Carlton School Board displayed the same division as the country Monday. Why did they waste the community advisors’ time if they won’t listen? Consolidation with Wrenshall School District was commuted highly. One member’s comments were the same as two years ago. I could tell what was to be spoken as the voice rose. OK, I get it, but listen to the community. Negotiating consolidation is a huge undertaking.

I believe a neutral facilitator employed by both districts would be beneficial, as both boards seem to have individuals characteristically resentful of consolidation by their constituents. Emotions on the school boards run too high not to. A two-site district may not be the most efficient, but could be a start. Successful two-site districts could include one assistant principal to help cover security or emergency issues that Superintendent Carman was concerned with.

A one-school site could eventually be built on County Road 1 between the communities, and already has utilities to support construction. Someday it may come down to individual district constituents turning down further operating levies until consolidation is done, as it is the only way we are heard.

Ken Witte, Carlton