Willow Run, Ypsilanti Schools Could Merge

YPSILANTI (AP) - Voters in the Ypsilanti and Willow Run school districts are expected to be asked whether to turn the two southeastern Michigan school systems into one.

The boards of education for the Willow Run and Ypsilanti districts held a joint session Wednesday night at Eastern Michigan University. They voted to place the question of consolidating their struggling school districts on the Nov. 6 ballot.

Supporters say the plan will improve schools. Opponents say combining two unstable school districts is problematic.

The districts have until later this month for the Washtenaw County clerk's office to approve ballot proposal language.

The proposed consolidation comes in the wake of Michigan education funding cuts and Gov. Rick Snyder's efforts to encourage local units of government to share services.

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