Hillman and Atlanta Community schools may start merger talks

ATLANTA, Mich. – There is a possibility that Hillman and Atlanta Community School Districts could merge.

The boards of education spent time Monday discussing the potential for consolidation.

Area school leaders say that a merger of the two school systems would have great benefits to the community.

By combining systems, student populations would increase and allow for more funding and less outsourcing from other school districts.

“Right now with our dual enrollment program a lot of our kids get their English and math credits through that, we also go to Alpena High School for the CTE program where they can get credits as well,” said Atlanta Community Schools Board of Education President Amy Corbin. ” If we had an increase in the numbers of kids, and staff then we could offer some of the classes that either one of us offer right now.”

Both school systems say they will vote during upcoming board meetings on whether to pursue the matter further.