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consolidation. “Special attention must be given to allocation of the costs of capital improvements and debt service and the disposition of existing property in the event of dissolution. And the most difficult problems may relate to certain nonfinancial matters such as composition of the new School Board and the budget approval process,” Mr. Cox notes.
The School Board viewed the negatives as outweighing the positives of consolidation.
Chairman Beverly Massie recalled that Rappahannock had been part of a consolidated system with neighboring Warren County from 1917 until 1975 “when Warren County felt they needed a full-time superintendent. Then Rappahannock County was on its own.” During the 58 years of joint management, • “there were times when we felt, rightly or wrongly, that Rappahannock got the teachers Warren County didn’t want,” Mrs. Massie said.
Since leaving this “step-child syndrome” behind and becoming an independent school division, Rappahannock has made great strides, she said, adding that Rappahannock’s high composite index will make the county “less marketable” for consolidation. “Other school divisions may not want to pay a higher proportionate share than they are now.”
Board member Paul Nichols pointed out that the consolidation cited by Mr. Cox involved the merger of a town school system with a county’s. “If Washington, Virginia, had a school system, it would be sensible to consolidate with them,” he agreed. But with a neighboring county, Mr. Nichols wasn’t so sure. “Rappahannock’s assets would have to be deeded to the other county, or theirs to Rappahannock,” said the veteran board member who served as Wakefield’s representative during consolidation with Warren. “Therefore it would be a real hard thing to do.”
“Deciding what we feel is best for our children has quite a bit more weight than dollars,” added board member Nancy Reeve.
Bill Oliver expressed uncertainty as to the financial advantages claimed by Mr. Cox. “Aside from
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