PAW PAW – A joint School Board Meeting was held at Paw Paw High School to discuss the deactivation of Paw Paw High and merging with Indian Creek High School. A presentation was given at the Paw Paw gym, Thursday evening to examine the curriculum and financial based benefits of the merge.
According to retired Superintendent Ray Burgles, a 10 week study was done to asses the possibility of deactivating Paw Paw High. “What was found was that deactivating this high school would give both kids the best opportunities for their future.”
In comparison to Paw Paw High, it was shown that Indian Creek had more courses to offer in every subject. For example, Indian Creek High offers more agricultural based courses on a 12-1 scale. Indian Creek High also offers 13 courses in Family & Consumer Science, a subject that Paw Paw doesn’t offer. Those courses range from the studies of adult living, cooking, parenting and resource management.
Indian Creek also offers AP, IB Dual Credit courses, and Internships which can transfer as credits to some colleges. “Students will have the opportunity to get into a class that they want.” said Burgles, “Indian Creek can help meet the needs of those college bound, and of those with special skill sets.”
On the financial scheme of the proposal, it was evident that Paw Paw high parents paid more tuition than parents at Indian Creek by 1,700 dollars. The reason being is Indian Creeks economy of scale, which refers to reduced cost per unit because of increased output. In effect, Indian Creek had the larger fund balance.
When it comes to a quality education, the most important funding is the education. According to the School Board, this means that up to 85% of a schools budget is salaries and benefits of all staff.
With Indian Creeks growing fund balance, and the wide curriculum offered, the Board believes that in the long run, the educational gains for students will be significant.
The Paw Paw School Board encourages parents to form a committee to gain input and support from the community.
If the Paw Paw community agrees to the terms of the proposal, the deactivation could be as soon as Fall 2019. A vote on the motion is expected to appear on the November ballot.
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