At the Neary School concert last year there were 70 students in the 4th grade chorus, but only 10 students in the string orchestra. This is one of the great benefits of keeping the region - we could have two choruses if numbers dictate so, and combine Algonquin South and Algonquin North for a regional string orchestra, or a regional ski team, or to provide for any other student interest. We also envisioned a sharing of students between the two schools - not in the sense of going back and forth between the school for courses, but in the sense of district choice program for students who wanted to attend school in the other town. This really makes sense because. Building maintenance costs are per sq.
Textbooks are one per student.
The only way to save money in a larger school is to increase class sizes, increase the number of students the guidance counselor is responsible for, or reduce the percentage of students who participate in athletics or other activities. That will save you money, but it will also mean that the students get less. Both Town meetings must vote on warrant articles with the exact same wording and both towns must pass referendum votes for the capital projects. I believe that the most effective way is to present all the facts on all the options and let the voters decide.