× Thanks for reading! Log in to continue. Enjoy more articles by logging in or creating a free account. No credit card required. Log in Sign up {{featured_button_text}}

RACINE COUNTY — It would likely take a state law change before discussions about outlying communities breaking away from the Racine Unified School District could move forward.

It figures, then, that whoever is elected to represent the 21st state Senate district, which includes Caledonia, Sturtevant and most of Mount Pleasant, could become a key player in the debate. A group in Caledonia is pushing for the law to change so they could create their own district, while board members in the other two villages have asked questions on the issue.

The candidates running for the seat offered contrasting opinions on the issue. Republican Van Wanggaard said it needs further study, while Democrat Randy Bryce called it a “ridiculous idea.”

Bryce said the costs to create new school districts, including constructing new buildings and hiring staff, would be far too high.

“Where is this money coming from?” he said.

Wanggaard, meanwhile, said the issue is complex and needs to be studied, which he is willing to do.

“If it’s something municipalities want to explore, then I’m going to look at exploring that issue with them,” he said.