The proposed consolidation of the Chetek and Weyerhauser school districts is continuing to move forward almost unopposed. One would think that bussing kids 20 miles to another school district would have more of an outcry. The Weyerhauser parents view Chetek as a viable alternative to the expenses of maintaining their own school district.
Two Weyerhauser residents calling themselves Citizens For Democracy have vowed to circulate petitions asking for a referendum. Until now there has not been an effort to determine support by local residents; however, the school board meetings have been open to the public and attending residents have been inquisitive but not in opposition. A referendum may reinforce the will of the Weyerhauser parents though.
This consolidation does not carry the public impact that a suburban consolidation might. For example, only 52 signatures on a petition is needed to bring a referendum into play. This will likely be a blip on anyone else’s radar but to the small towns of Chetek and Weyerhauser consolidation means adjustments will need to be made to accommodate everyone.
I should point out that one alternative to the Chetek School District was Cameron. However, the town of Cameron generally resists working with its neighbors and charts its own course. They were not interested in working with Weyerhauser although they are next door neighbors and a more convenient alternative for Weyerhauser students.
Kudos to Chetek for lending a hand when needed.
Sorry, where’s this? That wasn’t said anywhere in the story. I can kind of figure it out, but I’m still grappling with placing it and understanding it.
Weyerhauser is up in da nort woods.
…wondering whether it’s the desire to help or raise their third Friday in September count.