NEW GLARUS, Wis. -- Local communities are gathering in New Glarus on Monday night to talk about combining school districts.

Monday's meeting is the first public hearing to discuss the consolidation of the New Glarus, Belleville and Monticello school districts.

The school districts looked at plans to consolidate back in September. The biggest benefit would be about $12 million in extra state incentives, plus about $2 million in administrative and personnel savings.

But for many, the down side is about keeping each district's identity.

"Folks in this area grew up and went to these high schools. They were Knights or Wildcats or whatever, and they'd like their children to be the same," said William Conzemius, New Glarus superintendent.

Conzemius said that even if the districts pursue consolidation it would take years to work out a plan.

The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the New Glarus High School Library.