In 1963 New Vienna schools consolidated with Simon Kenton. In 1964 the school name was changed to New Kenton. In 1965 Sabina schools consolidated with New Kenton as described in the article and transcription that follow.
Wilmington News-Journal, 4 May 1965, p.1-2
On Request, County Board Joins Sabina, New Kenton
Upon request of Sabina and New Kenton local boards, the Clinton County Board of Education merged the two school districts at a special meeting Monday night.
The requests were in the form of resolutions asking that the county board consolidate the two districts. Sabina's resolution was signed by four of the five local board members Monday and New Kenton's resolution, made April 30, was the result of a unanimous vote of the five local members.
The resolution of consolidation by the county board was moved by Stanley Bernard, seconded by Carl West, and unanimously approved by the board.
The action followed n agreement by the two local boards in a discussion session March 12 at which it was decided that if a merger of the two districts takes place, such union should be formed by request of the two boards, asking that the county board consolidate the territories.
The consolidated district would include 1825 pupils, with 531 in high school. This compares to a total of 1677 for Blanchester (443 in high school) and 1481 for Clinton-Massie (440 in high school). The combined Sabina-New Kenton area has a valuation of $21.7 million for tax purposes. The area has 133 square miles.
The study initiated at the request of the two local boards March 12 outlined transportation proposals: Using Lees Creek village as approximate center (Reesville, kindergarten through sixth grade; New Vienna, kindergarten through ninth grade; Sabina, kindergarten through ninth grade). Many of the village youngsters of Sabina and New Vienna can continue to walk to school. From Sabina, approximately 145 to 150 pupils in grades 10-11-12 would be transported to the high school center over a short distance of seven miles in 15 minutes. The study estimates that buildings would be sufficient for projected enrollment over the next three to four years.
Contracts of all currently employed teachers (78 in the two districts) would be binding on the newly created board of education. "All teachers are assured of a position in accordance with their field of certification," the report compiled March 12 said.
It is suggested that athletics include two junior high and freshmen teams, one of each at Sabina and New Vienna. Basketball could be played at New Vienna gymnasium and football – which would allow the consolidated district to enter an athletic league – could be played at Sabina, using existing lighting facilities.
The proposed consolidation would lose 1.1 mills of tax rate because of adjustments required by law when districts are reorganized, and the district would probably have to vote this millage to regain present income.
The Sabina board, faced with problems of financing repairs, the need to employ a new administrator, and plans to upgrade school curriculum to meet minimum standards, has spent several months of study, including meetings with the county board, New Kenton board and Miami Trace board of education, as well as a public meeting for Sabina patrons where the board outlined some of its findings.
Since these sessions, both the Fayette County Board of Education and Miami Trace Board of Education have taken a stand that heavy enrollment at Miami Trace high school would make it inadvisable to consider addition of Sabina School District.
The consolidation of Sabina and New Kenton becomes effective June 2, unless a petition is filed with the Clinton County Board of elections carrying valid signatures that represent a number equal to 35 per cent of the qualified electors of the proposed district who voted in the last general election. By unofficial estimate between 900 and 1,000 valid signatures would be required.
If such a petition is received and found to be valid by the county board of elections, the county board of education then certifies the question to a vote, probably at the November general election.
