A recent survey by the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber looks into whether or not the city and county schools should consolidate.
Eyewitness News reporter Kim Carapucci has been following the story since we first reported it in September and reveals the results.

High school football is a tradition in Valdosta...especially when it comes to the rivalry between the Vikings and the Wildcats.

But what if the schools were to consolidate?

"We wouldn't have the rivalry anymore. I think that is what's needed. You have to have a pro and con. Without the pro and the con, we would not be as strong," said Valdosta resident Marcellas McNorton.

It's been a controversial topic for years...but now, a recent study by the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber says there is no link between school consolidation and higher academic performance.

So, why consolidate?

"I think by uniting the two systems together, the power of onecould be good for the whole community," said Valdosta resident William Richburg.

But both schools' superintendents believe now is not the time.

"Both school districts are doing an excellent job with academics and I think that's what we should concentrate on, that's what's important, because we're touching the lives of kids," said Valdosta City Schools Superintendent Dr. Bill Cason.

But now the results are out, and the Chamber wants to use those findings to inform the public.

"We want the community to understand it's not cut and dry. It's not simple and consolidation is not a silver bullet," said Valdosta Chamber of Commerce School Systems Study Task Force Leader Leon Buter, Jr.

For now, the rivalry is in tact...but ultimately, the people will have to decide whether or not consolidation is right for their community.

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MESSAGE FROM THE VALDOSTA-LOWNDES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:

At this point, the Chamber has not made any decision on whether to endorse either type of school system.

The Chamber is encouraging the community to visit their Web site atwww.valdostachamber.com, review the results of the School System Study, and submit their questions, comments, suggestions, etc.

The information will be compiled anonymously by the Fanning Institute, and will be used to prepare the interactive town hall meeting, scheduled for Monday, Nov. 17, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Rainwater Conference Center.

During the meeting on Nov. 17, Fanning Institute will conduct interactive “seminars” to gain feedback from participants. This information will serve as a vital component in finalizing the plan of action for the Chamber’s School System Task Force.

After the meeting, the School System Task Force will take all of the information from the study, the town hall meeting, the suggestions of Carl Vinson institute and Fanning Institute, and prepare a final proposal to be presented to the Chamber’s Board of Directors.

The School System Task Force will present their findings to the Board of Directors at the Nov. 20 monthly Board meeting. A final recommendation will come from there.