Carlton, Wrenshall Schools Talk Consolidation

CARLTON - Two struggling school districts sitting just four miles apart are working to keep their heads above water, and now officials are looking to fix the problem by consolidating. Representatives from Wrenshall and Carlton schools met Monday evening to weigh the pros and cons of combining the districts. Both communities started the process with surveys, and preliminary results show many community members on both sides are for it.  But unanswered questions about details are still a concern for some."I think the real problem is where,” asked Mayor Michael Hyland of Wrenshall. “Where the high school building would be? Where the elementary would be, and a plan for the future for adding on. I think that's the issue." Parents of students in the two schools showed their support at Monday’s meeting. One Wrenshall parent explained the need to consolidate to keep sports teams up and running while also offering more opportunities. "It's fight for flight now,” said Wrenshall parent Stephanie Vine. “We've got to do something to make sure we've got good teams, good academics for the years to come." The districts will continue to collect information and weigh options.The next step would be hiring a consultant to lay out a solid plan.Supporters for the consolation have created a Facebook page. To join, click here.