This work has been developed by the White Paper Committee, a sub group of the Consolidation of Services AD Hoc Committee of MAISA formed in January of 2005. The charge of the White Paper Committee was to review and identify legislative, legal and procedural inhibitors currently in place that may prohibit interested ISDs and LEAs from aggressively analyzing and pursuing possible district consolidation initiatives. The intent of the committee was to identify the inhibitors through the development of critical questions and seek answers both legislatively and legally to pave the road for those districts seriously interested in consolidation options.

It should be noted that the premise for the development of these critical questions is based on the enhancement of programs and services to students served and not driven by dollars potentially saved through a consolidation effort. It was the belief of the subcommittee that consolidation of ISDs and LEAs is not the singular answer to the school funding crisis we face in our state. These critical questions have been crafted with a sharp focus on improving programs and services for the students we serve.

As you explore this website you will be able to review information regarding Consolidations, Annexations or Disorganizations. It is hoped that strategies be developed through MAISA and other pertinent organizations to seek out the answers to these questions and perhaps begin the development of a statewide model for consolidation planning.