11-23-15 mayville, horicon schools discuss possible consolidation

School officials in Mayville and Horicon are exploring the possibility of consolidating school districts and building one new high school.   Mayville superintendent Dr. Pat Antony says the idea came out of a focus group that was formed after a school building referendum failed last spring.  Horicon superintendent Gary Berger says his initial reaction is that it could be positive for both districts.  Both Berger and Antony say perhaps the biggest obstacle to overcome is the concern that some residents may have of their school losing its individual identity.  But Antony says both districts have been losing students and  consolidation may make sense financially and creating more educational opportunities for students.  A public meeting to discuss the merger will be held at 6 p.m. Monday at Mayville Middle School.  Berger and Antony says if there is public support and if it makes sense financially, Horicon and Mayville School Boards could vote as early as December to put the question up for a public referendum possibly next April.