Residents Approve Three District Merger

"If we don't do it we're going to be in dire straits."

"I just... I don't agree."

"I hope it does go through and I hope it does cut the costs."

"I just don't feel comfortable voting yes, you know, so I voted no."

            It only took a matter of seconds for thousands to voice their opinions on a three school merger tonight and many weren't surprised to run into other friends and neighbors tonight.

            Karen Seelback of Mohawk says, "I think it's important, you know it's their kids future so I don't think it surprised me that that many people show up."

            Back in January the only district to vote against the merger was Frankfort-Schuyler but tonight the remaining three approved it. And voters had varying reasons for and against.

                Mohawk resident Michael Maine says, "The only thing I had a concern with was there's too many variables, not enough information, you don't know where things are actually going, things about transportation don't add up stuff like that, I just don't feel comfortable voting yes so I voted no."

                James Hall of Mohawk says, "Basically I think it's going to help lower taxes, I think it's going to give more availability of classes and opportunities to the kids in the school district. And I think it's about time that we basically got more of a bang for the buck for out tax dollar."

            For some this decision came down to the students or preserving the tax dollars. And no matter which way they voted, people are passionate about the future of the valley schools.

                Ed View of Mohawk says, "Consolidation's necessary all through the valley. Police, fire, schools, it's the only way we can survive, there's no other way."

                Mohawk Resident Karen Knapp says, "I just.. I don't agree but I just hope whatever comes out it works and everybody's happy and it's for the kids overall, that's what it's about."

Today the vote passed almost two to one. And now that the people have voted in favor of the merger it faces an official binding referendum on October 18th. If all goes as planned the schools will become one starting July of next year.