When voters head to the polls today in the AHST and Walnut School Districts, they’ll decide whether or not the two districts will merge into one: AHSTW. The referendum needs a simple majority to pass. Both districts have had a whole grade sharing agreement for years.

School officials have cited declining enrollment and decreased state funding as two reasons behind the reorganization. Consolidation, according to shared Superintendent Jesse Ulrich would also provide financial stability for the districts’ future.

Final informational meetings on the proposed merger took place last week at Avoca and Walnut.