Megargel Independent School District

Megargel Independent School District was a school district headquartered in Megargel, Texas (USA). The district had one school called the Megargel School.

The district served portions of Archer County, including the town of Megargel. The district also served portions of Baylor County, Throckmorton County, and Young County.

The school distrist had 2 schools:

Megargle School: Pre-School to 6th Grade

Megargle High School: 7th Grade to 12th Grade

History

The last Megargel school building opened in 1927. The campus, compared to other schools, was outdated by 2006. The gymnasium, which resembled an airplane hangar, did not have air conditioning. The classrooms were heated with propane space heaters. The building contained coal chutes. The wood floors in the building were creaky.[1]

In the 2000s, when the school was still open, it attracted troubled teenagers from nearby school districts because of its small class sizes.[1]

Closure

The April 11, 2006 issue of the Dallas Morning News featured the Megargel School[1] in a front page article. The school (along with the town) had declined for years, and was running out of funds.

After looking at what consolidation options were available with neighboring districts, the school board voted to consolidate with Olney Independent School District in Olney, Texas (about 12 miles southeast), subject to voter approval on May 13, 2006. Proponents argued that the school (which had 63 students, including only one in the seventh grade) simply could not continue to function, and consolidation with the neighboring district (which has nearly 800 students) will provide more opportunities for educational achievement. Opponents feared that closure of the school would cause the town to disappear.

The vote (which required approval of the voters in both districts) was 89% in favor of consolidation.[2] The school and district closed after the school year ended.[3] Olney ISD announced plans to hire former Megargel ISD employees.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Nelson, Colleen McCain. "School, town facing demise." The Dallas Morning News. Tuesday April 11, 2006. Retrieved on July 17, 2010.
  2. ↑ "MERGARGEL-OLNEY CONSOLIDATION." (Archive) KJTL-TV. March 12, 2007. Retrieved on July 17, 2010.
  3. ↑ "Mergargel School Closes Its Doors." (Archive) KAUZ-TV. May 26, 2006. Retrieved on July 17, 2010.

External links