Wrenshall Public Vote May 12th
Myth Vs. Fact
This page addresses common questions and misconceptions related to the consolidation of the Carlton School District and the Wrenshall School District.
All responses are based on currently available information and are intended to support informed understanding.
Myth
"The decision has already been fully finalized and cannot be changed."
Fact
While both school boards and the Minnesota Department of Education have approved the consolidation, some implementation details are still being determined, and a public vote in Wrenshall is part of the process.
Myth
“The state is forcing the districts to consolidate.”
Fact
Consolidation is a locally initiated decision made by the school boards. The state’s role is to review and approve plans to ensure they meet required standards.
Myth
“Consolidation guarantees major cost savings immediately.”
Fact
Similar to building an annual school district budget, projections and assumptions are aligned to MN Legislative changes, funding formula allowances, and projected student enrollment numbers.
Myth
“Taxes will automatically increase because of consolidation.”
Fact
Ehlers, a municipal financial advising firm that works with most school districts in the state, has provided ample feedback and cost analysis that demonstrates a net reduction in the Wrenshall school portion of taxes as a result of the consolidation.
Myth
“One community is financially benefiting at the expense of the other.”
Fact
The consolidation plan is intended to combine resources across both districts. Financial outcomes are based on shared operations, not a transfer of benefit from one community to another.
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In fact, the Wrenshall district's $12.1 million in debt, combined with the $2.4 million in Carlton debt, will be redistributed over the entire consolidated district. The end result is a net financial benefit for the Wrenshall taxpayers.
Myth
“All schools in one community will close.”
Fact
At a recent Joint Board Session held in Wrenshall, the school boards determined that the PreK-5th-grade students would attend elementary in Carlton, and grades 6-12 would attend school in Wrenshall.
The Carlton School District has a signed Resolution with Carlton County, the City of Carlton, and the Carlton County Economic Development Commission to transfer ownership of the Carlton MS/HS upon a successful consolidation with Wrenshall.
Myth
“Students will all be moved immediately into one building.”
Fact
Grades PreK-5 will attend Carlton Elementary, and grades 6-12 will attend Wrenshall Secondary.
Myth
“All staff positions will be cut or eliminated.”
Fact
We are currently soliciting feedback from our families to determine enrollment numbers. Once collected, those numbers will be used to adequately staff our newly consolidated district with highly trained, experienced, and dedicated professionals.
There is a heightened likelihood that most licensed and non-licensed staff will retain their positions. The financial efficiencies of the consolidated district will be created by eliminating some of the redundant and duplicated administrative, director and supervisory roles.
Myth
“Teachers will not have a say in the process.”
Fact
Both school districts provide monthly board meetings, joint board sessions, committee opportunities, and have promoted an "open door policy" to those requesting information.
Myth
“Students will lose opportunities because of consolidation.”
Fact
As a result of consolidation and fiscal efficiencies, students will experience more academic, artistic, and extracurricular opportunities than what is currently offered at each individual district level.
Myth
“Class sizes will automatically become overcrowded.”
Fact
Consolidation provides more flexibility and options for grade levels and content area subject matter.
Myth
“Students will face extreme transportation challenges.”
Fact
Currently, we have a number of school buses from each district traveling the same roads, intersections, and neighborhoods. Consolidation will help eliminate these duplicated transportation inefficiencies and enable us to better serve our students, families, and school community.
Myth
“The community will lose its identity.”
Fact
The Raptors' cooperative sports programs are a perfect example of the opportunities that lie ahead. Additionally, both districts will give serious consideration to archiving and promoting the history and legacies of each individual district's traditions, culture, and values.
Myth
“There has been no opportunity for community input.”
Fact
The districts have conducted public meetings, joint sessions, and ongoing communication efforts. Additional opportunities for engagement are expected as planning continues.
Myth
“Community members have no role in the outcome.”
Fact
Community involvement remains an important part of the process, including public meetings and a scheduled vote for Wrenshall residents.