Although it would take at least several years and have to be
approved by the State Board of Education, Hollister School District
could merge with San Benito High School District in an attempt to
save money and consolidate administrative costs.
Hollister – Although it would take at least several years and have to be approved by the State Board of Education, Hollister School District could merge with San Benito High School District in an attempt to save money and consolidate administrative costs.
The idea was raised at a Hollister school board study session on Wednesday by parents looking for solutions after being faced with sobering news about the district’s financial situation. Hollister expects a $800,00 deficit this school year and a $360,000 deficit the following year.
“It is still premature to talk about it, but potentially there could be savings through a combination of administrative duties,” said Dean Bubar, director of business and operations at Hollister School District, the largest district in Hollister with over 6,000 students.
If the eight-school district were to unify with the high school, numerous administrative positions, such as those of the superintendent and assistant superintendent, could be eliminated, Bubar said. Other cuts could include administrators assigned to academics, special education and finances, he said. That would free up funds for things like teacher salaries, instructional material and facility maintenance.
Jean Burns Slater, superintendent of San Benito High School District, said she had no opinion about unification and had not had any conversations with her staff or Hollister School District about the topic. However, San Benito High School might not have much say in the matter if voters approve the move.
“It could be a hostile take over,” said Burns Slater.
San Benito High School has been its own district since it opened more than a century ago.
Before unification can happen, Hollister School District would have to submit a proposal to San Benito High School about the possible benefits for both sides, said Tim Foley, county superintendent of schools. Numerous study sessions would then be held and the findings presented to the County Commission on School District Organization, a committee overseen by the county office. After the study portion is complete, the proposal would go before the voters and eventually either approved or denied by the State Board of Education.
“It is a rigorous vetting process that takes as long as two years to complete,” said Foley. “It does not happen over night.”
Unification of local districts has been attempted in recent years, with mixed results. About five years ago, North County School District expressed an interest in unifying with Hollister School District, but backed off after it found out it would lose much, if not all, control over decisions such as curriculum and finances. In 1989, San Juan School joined with Aromas School to save money for the rural district.
Today, there are 11 school districts in San Benito County, eight of which consist of just one-school. Many of them are artifacts of a gone-by era when children attended school within walking distance of their home, said Foley. Only half a century ago, there were over 30 districts in San Benito County, many of them one-room school houses. Only after the state encouraged district consolidation in the ’60s in an attempt to save money, did districts begin to unify.
Karina Ioffee covers education for the Free Lance. Reach her at (831)637-5566 ext. 335 or [email protected].
