It’s no secret Ansonia and Derby schools are struggling with dwindling funding from the state and federal government as well as with declining enrollment.
A consulting firm has about 18 months to make their recommendation about the fate of the districts. Ultimately, the voters will decide.
It’s a controversial and uncertain topic in Ansonia and Derby: Should the two districts merge into one?
On Monday night, a consulting firm out of Boston was hired to spend the next two years making a recommendation about the fate of the district.
The Regionalization Committee said it has about $135,000 in grant money to spend.
“What we’re looking for for our students are better outcomes. It’s no secret that we are a challenged district,” said John Izzo.
The topic of merging is decades in the making.
“I recall them talking about it a long, long time ago, dating back to when I was in high school…Because of the rivalry, it was just never done,” said Megan Scaglioni, who went to Ansonia High School.
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Some parents and students believe if the districts were to merge, students would have more opportunities for a better education.
“I think it would be a good idea. I think it would be good for the students, I think it would be good for the sports programs, and I think would be good for the town,” stated Eddie Henderson of Derby.
“…The schools could collaborate their activities. I think it would be better for students,” added Rachel Almangar, a Derby middle schooler.
Some parents and teachers believe regionalizing would be a difficult adjustment for kids and teens during important years in their lives.
The board said it’s committed to the success of all students and open to the opportunities merging could provide.
When the two years are up and the consulting group has made its decision, voters in Ansonia and Derby both have to agree on regionalizing to move forward with plans to merge.
