The Salem School District may explore the possibility of consolidation with neighboring districts.

Administrator David Milz said he will ask the School Board today whether there is interest in joining with a neighboring district.

Milz said some taxpayers have suggested consolidation as a means of saving money in the district, saying it is a question that comes up regularly in western Kenosha County.

In 2006, Trevor and Wilmot school districts consolidated, a move approved by residents through a referendum.

“It’s been a topic of conversation for quite awhile,” Milz said. “There are incentives out there from the state, and I think it only makes sense to explore it.”

Conrad Chaffee, interim administrator of Wheatland Center School, said at the suggestion of Milz he approached his board about discussing the pros and cons of consolidation, and the board agreed it would be worthwhile to have a discussion.

Milz said the two boards will have to decide whether consolidation is something they would like to consider.

“It really has to occur on the board level,” he said.

Salem has looked into consolidating with neighbors in the past, but has found little interest.

Milz said talks would only be an opening step.

“Right now we’re just waiting to see what Salem has to say,” Chaffee said. “We’re open to discussion.”