VALDOSTA — In the past year, residents of Valdosta and Lowndes County have expressed concern over the idea of the two school systems becoming one.

Some members of the Valdosta community have suggested having one school system would ensure the same standard of quality be provided to each student.

Others believe the diversity experienced in a combined system would create a culturally rich environment that would prove beneficial to the students’ socialization.

There remains opposition as some alumni hold fast to the heritage they have grown to love and cherish. Others argue that the financial repercussions of consolidation would be detrimental to taxpayers’ pockets.

“Money should never be on the forefront of education issues. The most important thing should always be the benefit of our children, and I refer to the children in both school systems,” said Sam Allen, superintendent of Valdosta City Schools.

Allen and the city school board plan to view the complete benefits and effects of consolidation for students, parents, staff and community.

“The chairman will be setting up a committee of about four board members that may eventually expand into parents, school counselors and community members. The board will begin looking into every aspect of consolidation beginning next month,” Allen said.

The initial research process will stretch over a six to eight-week period with a broader time table scheduled for possible legislative requirements.

Although the state of Georgia places the weight of education on the county through a mandate, requiring that each county be responsible for providing education to the children in its boundaries, Lowndes County School Superintendent Steve Smith said the issue of consolidation is the city’s initial battle.

“The consolidation issue is one that needs to be resolved by the city because if it does occur, they will be joining us,” he said.

Smith did say that if the city system decides to join the county, he would try to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Over the next few weeks, The Valdosta Daily Times will explore the issue of consolidating Valdosta and Lowndes school systems through a series of stories. This series will attempt to look into the history and demographics of both schools, gather school and community perspectives, and consider the pros, cons and procedures necessary to consolidate.