ESD merger would be in area’s best interest

The idea of the Union-Baker Education Service District merging into two other ESDs makes good sense. If the state Board of Education gives a proposal now being considered a thumb’s-up, Union County would merge into the Umatilla-Morrow ESD and Baker County would merge with the Malheur ESD. The consolidation would be complete by July 1, 2011.

The consolidation has numerous benefits. First, it would provide more efficient use of funding for student programs. And after all, the students are what education is all about. Second, the merger would mean better funding for those served by Union and Baker county ESDs, which are now on financial thin ice. Third, the state is expected to soon mandate consolidation, and this way, by being proactive in the process, there may be more local control. A voluntary merger undertaken by those who know the ESDs best would be better than one dictated by the state.

A locally controlled merger would also make it so teachers probably lived locally and that the districts are more compact and not widespread over huge geographical areas.

The three ESD boards when they meet in February should vote to submit a petition to the state Board of Education requesting approval of the consolidation plans. It makes sense economically and educationally. It’s the right thing to do.