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Residents press board for clearer purpose statement and better outreach amid trust concerns
Summary
Multiple residents said the district's process had insufficient outreach and argued the plan needs a clear preface reason for deconsolidation; speakers suggested more in-person outreach, clearer ballot language and local polling before a binding vote.
A recurring theme across public comment was frustration with the outreach process and a request for a plain-language explanation of why deconsolidation is on the table.
Several commenters said prior engagement was insufficient. One resident asked staff to “preface it right up front with a statement that clearly articulates the reason for the deconsolidation,” and others suggested expanded outreach options (mailers, in-person polling at the cafeteria, and clearer in-person explanations of levy impacts). Residents also discussed petition efforts and questioned whether signatures were properly verified.
Board members acknowledged the communications challenges and said staff had used a survey and newspaper outreach but that the district would continue public hearings and could consider additional outreach before forwarding any plan to the State Board. Multiple commenters tied the trust question to the broader levy funding model and argued the district should do more to explain past investments in Elk City and the basis for the split.
