By Duane Good EDITOR ELIZABETHVILLE
When the Millersburg and Upper Dauphin Area school boards meet next week to decide to move forward with a proposed merger of the two districts, they will have received a wide range of input from residents on all sides of the issue. A joint board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, March 15 in the Millersburg secondary campus auditorium, at which time a decision is expected on whether – or not – to go forward with the idea. The two districts held a forum to receive public comment March 4. Held at UDA High School, the forum included feedback from residents of both districts, who expressed both favorable and unfavorable opinions on the proposal. There also were those who support a merger but have reservations about the option currently on the table. The Story So Far The boards, March 15, will vote on an option that calls for the current Millersburg secondary campus to become a Grades 6-8 middle school; the current UDA High School to become a 9-12 high school; and the current UDA elementary/middle school campus to become a K-5 elementary school. Known as ‘‘Option 5,’’ it was recommended by the Pennsylvania Economy League – hired by the boards to prepare a feasibility study – as the most cost-effective and the one that requires the least adaptation of buildings to accommodate grade levels. At a meeting last month, the possible merger’s effect on district curriculum was the main topic. A merged district, it was said, has much greater potential to offer a more varied curriculum, including courses not available at one of the schools. On the other hand, a joint venture will require fewer teachers and support staff; a projected 34 positions would be cut. It also was noted that at the elementary level, class sizes would range from 19 (kindergarten) to 24 (fifth grade). To this point, a merger has been SEE MERGER • PAGE A8