FLANAGAN - It came down to just 16 votes, but the first "hybrid" district in Illinois will be formed after voters in Cornell Community High School District 70 and Flanagan Community Unit District 4 approved a merger Tuesday.

"I'm just glad it's over," Cornell Superintendent Jim Davis said of the first-ever union of a high school and unit district. "I know it has been talked about for years … but the public got their opportunity to voice their opinion, and I hope it goes well from here."

The six precincts in Flanagan voted overwhelmingly in favor of the merger, with 552 in favor and 35 opposed. Voting was tighter in Cornell's four precincts, with 220 in favor and 204 opposed. In order for the referendum to pass, both districts needed to support it.

"I am very pleased, and we will continue to work with the fine community (Cornell) in order to bring the best education possible to the children," Flanagan Superintendent Jerry Farris said after final results were tallied.

The next steps will involve the selection of a superintendent, a name for the district and the finalizing of the tax rate.

The new district will have a new number of 74 - a blending of the two district's current numbers.

Flanagan's property tax rate is expected to remain the same. Cornell, meanwhile, is expected to see its rate increase from $1.73 to $1.94. This would mean an additional $130 in taxes annually for a home valued at $200,000.

Voters also elected a new school board Tuesday with five members from Flanagan and two from Cornell.

Cornell high school students have been going to Flanagan for about 20 years. The Cornell high school district has been paying tuition to Flanagan.

Cornell's grade school district was not involved in the merger effort.

Other ballot questions

The Rooks Creek, Pike and Waldo multitownship referendum passed. It will raise property taxes by an additional $11 for a home valued at $100,000 to pay a salary for the township assessor.

The Pleasant Ridge Township referendum also passed, increasing the township tax rate by 36 cents to provide $225,000 to build a new storage shed.

Cornell-Flanagan

Form a combined district?

Flanagan

Yes - 552

No - 35

Cornell

Yes - 220

No - 204

What's next

Voters will agree to a maximum rate of a property tax levy, but Flanagan's rate will remain the same while Cornell will be raised from $1.73 to $1.94, meaning an additional $65 in real estate taxes for a home valued at $100,000.

The school would have to make some changes by electing a new school board, five being from Flanagan and two from Cornell; change its district number to 74 (the sum of the two districts); and change its name. The board will have final say on the new name but students have been coming up with suggestions. Flanagan would keep the same mascot, a falcon.