An informational meeting held Monday between the Corry Area School District's board of school directors and members of the 4 Schools 4 Warren County group opened dialogue over the possible succession of the Eisenhower attendance area to the CASD.

"We just wanted to start a conversation," said 4 Schools 4 Warren County Group representative David Bauer.

During a mid-October meeting of the 4 Schools 4 Warren County group, Bauer outlined the the necessary course of action to join the CASD, which would consist of public approval by way of a petition, input and approval from the Pennsylvania Secretary of Education and the support from the CASD.

"We would prefer to stay (with the WCSD)," said Bauer. "The process to leave is very difficult."

Added Bauer of Corry, "(The attendance area) is a lot like this area."

The decision to consider joining the CASD by the group stemmed from recent discussion of high school consolidation by the Warren County School District's board of directors, which would reconfigure attendance areas in the county. The Eisenhower attendance area currently consists of Eisenhower High School and Russell and Sugar Grove elementary schools.

The board was presented with 11 consolidation options through a high school feasibility study by planning company DeJong, which were then narrowed down to two. The first option would utilize Warren Area High School and Youngsville High School as the two district high schools. The second option would utilize Warren and a new high school. Both options eliminate Eisenhower and Sheffield high schools; Sheffield would be utilized as a kindergarten through eighth grade facility.

Bauer explained to the board that each time that Eisenhower is slated to be closed, the reasoning is based on the condition of the building.

Asked CASD Superintendent Dr. Brian Dougherty, "Has there ever been an architectural study on the building?"

"Structurally, the building is in good shape," responded Bauer, adding that the condition determined by DeJong was based on a quick walk through before the study was completed.

Dougherty additionally asked of any outstanding debt held on any of the buildings. Russell Elementary School underwent a renovation project in 2003, according to Bauer, which would be the only building with outstanding debt.

Though Bauer could not speak on behalf of the CASD on the positive reasons to take on the Eisenhower attendance area, he could see an increase in efficiency based on the addition of a large and stable tax base and the assistance to fund administrators.

Dougherty noted a number of issues that would need to be addressed, including teacher contracts, the difference in curriculum and the use of high-end technology by the district. He also voiced his concern over special education and federal programs.

"Whether or not we meet that same level of service would be a huge consideration," he said.

Sugar Grove Township Supervisor George Sanders said of the education level, "This is a working high school, not a failing high school."

CASD Board member Chris Johnson asked Bauer if the parents in the Eisenhower attendance area were in favor of the merge.

Bauer explained that a survey was just sent out for the parents to complete, and he did not have the results yet.

Bauer told the board the WCSD should be making a decision on the consolidation in the coming months, which would give them a better idea on how to proceed.

No decision was made by the CASD that would allude to the possibility of accepting the Eisenhower attendance area. Dougherty said the meeting was held at the request of Bauer.