Voters approve Albion schools' annexation to Marshall

In a vote culminating months of discussion and debate, Albion Public Schools voters on Tuesday approved annexing their district to Marshall Public Schools, ending the life of Albion's struggling school district.

With the approval of voters, Albion's school district will be absorbed by Marshall Public Schools. The annexation is effective July 1.

The vote was 1,528-628 for annexation. Only voters in the Albion Public Schools had a part in the final decision.

Through a cooperative agreement, Albion's high school and middle school age children already attend Marshall schools.

Marshall got a $4.2 million state grant to help pay annexation-related expenses. That will include paying down Albion's debt of more than $3 million.

Marshall Superintendent Randy Davis reiterated Tuesday night that this was not an easy decision for the Albion community to make.

"I think they listened to and paid attention to facts," Davis said. "What I believe is they made the decision that's in the best interests of kids and so I applaud that and now's time for some unity and some healing because some community members are going to feel like they haven't been heard and we want to make sure that they have a voice."

Davis said the next steps will be taken immediately.

"Tomorrow will be a busy day and we'll be working really hard to make sure that we have an elementary school (in Albion) operational in the fall," he said.

Davis said the process will include meeting with Albion Assistant Superintendent Joni Parks, the Michigan Department of Treasury and Bruce Caswell, a consultant appointed by the state to help Albion.

As of July 1, he said they will need to make sure they are reducing the operational debt effectively.

Davis also said they will need to do an assessment of Albion schools' facilities, and host community forums in Albion about how people feel about those facilities, where people would recommend Marshall house its programs and what should be done with the buildings that they don't use.

"By June 1, we have to have a definite decision about where we're going to be housing our alternative high school and if it's not going to be in a shared building, should we be moving it or not moving it from the Eastern Academic Center," Davis said.

Davis said they will post an elementary principal position Wednesday, and will also work with the teachers' union in Albion along with Caswell to discuss the status of Albion schools' existing employees.

The Marshall superintendent said current Albion staff can apply for future positions for a Marshall-operated elementary school in Albion.

With annexation, Albion's bonded indebtedness will still be paid off by residents in the former Albion Public Schools district, and Marshall's original bonded indebtedness before annexation will stay with the original Marshall territory.

Albion schools' 4 mill sinking fund disappears and everyone in the new district will pay Marshall's 1 mill sinking fund levy.

After years of declining enrollment and falling revenues, as well as losing an additional 100 students this year, the Albion Board of Education started discussing its options for the future last fall.

The board voted to formally pursue annexation with Marshall in December.

Contact Safiya Merchant at 269-966-0684 or smerchant@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow her on Twitter: @SafiyaMerchant