Two school boards reorganized

PARKE COUNTY, Ind. (WTHI) - Running a school corporation isn't easy.  

The Turkey Run and Rockville school districts found this out the hard way on January 1.   

The 2 districts underwent reorganization.

“It came about because of all the cuts in state funding. Cuts not only from the state of Indiana, but also, you know, the entire economy, which resulted in less revenue for schools,” said Dr. Thomas Rohr, superintendent.  

Declining enrollment in both corporations also played a big part in the reorganization decision.   

Turkey Run and Rockville's corporations joined to form the North Central Parke Community School Corporation.   

All the reorganization entails is that the two schools' boards have merged into one; meaning students are not affected.

Reorganizing into one district might be a good way to save the schools from consolidation.   

At this time, there are no plans to consolidate the schools.

“At some point in time, particularly if our enrollments continue to drop, that might be one of the things they’re going to have to look at, but at the present time, that’s not the case,” said Dr. Rohr.

In that case, Rockville and Turkey Run high-schools would become one.   

Once the school boards work through the initial kinks, it can then be decided what to do about condensing its staff.   

Dr. Rohr is not anticipating any layoffs.   

But, reduction in staff will come, as teachers retire and move to other districts.   

But Dr. Rohr said he does sees the advantage of a larger school district for the students.

“I always look at it from the standpoint of what is the best. What is in the best interest of the students in the community? Whatever that takes, that’s what I’m for,” said Dr. Rohr.