May 20, 2013
There's another proposed school merger in the Wiregrass, but a grassroots organization is collecting signatures on a petition opposing combining Dothan City and Houston County schools.
The consolidation was one of the measures proposed after the defeat of the property tax referendum last February. However, critics said combining the two systems would only make matters worse.
They said they want the petition in place if the proposal is accepted by Houston County Commissioners.
People who oppose consolidation said it would be a total financial disaster, one they said children will pay for in the end.
Lisa Branton is Rehobeth's PTA co-president. She organized the petition drive. She and others said merging the two systems will dilute the effectiveness of both.
Branton said local education issues affect everyone, not just those with children. She is encouraging everyone to get involved.
