Disagreements between the residents of the Hamburg and Farragut school districts will require intervention from the Green Hills Area Education Agency. The Omaha World-Herald reports a mediator will help the districts reach an agreement on whole-grade sharing, which is linked to their facility plans. The districts have indicated that buildings will need to be closed next year.

About 40 parents, students and residents attended an emotional joint school board meeting last week. Hamburg Superintendent Terry Kenealy told the paper several speakers supported the current grade-sharing deal, while several wanted to change the configuration. But school board members were unable to arrive at a resolution for both boards to consider, so the issue will be referred to the Green Hills agency for mediation.

The two districts tried to reorganize in December, but the effort failed by seven votes in Hamburg despite passing in Farragut. Both districts also face accreditation and financial concerns, leaving further uncertainty about the future. They must go before the School Budget Review Committee this month and the Iowa Department of Education in February.

The outcome of those meetings will decide whether the Farragut and Hamburg districts will continue or be dissolved. If they continue to operate, the districts have suggested that Marnie Simons Elementary School in Hamburg and the shared Nishnabotna High School in Farragut will be their remaining open buildings.