The Novice school district is closing down this fall and the school board voted 3-2 Thursday to consolidate with Coleman school district. The decision comes after months of speculation about where students were headed.

The Novice school board was trying to decide between Jim Ned and Coleman, but they said they decided Coleman was the best fit.

"It's a hard time for everybody in the community to have to give up their school. It wasn't goiong to be an easy decision about who to go with," said Dale Freeman, Superintendent of Novice ISD.

There was no public comment at the meeting. The school board discussed a few issues surrounding the decision. Jim Ned said they would allow students to attend their school without paying a transfer fee. Coleman said they would agree to supplying students with transportation.

The board then went into a closed session to meet with a lawyer about their options. Freeman said the lawyer told them consolidating would be a lengthy process. That's why the school board decided to vote Thursday to start consolidation.

Doris Duke's grandson attended Novice. She said he will go to Jim Ned despite the decision.

"Most of the families here in Novice, we have not heard one that wants to go to Coleman," said Duke.

Patricia Bates who lives in Coleman county, however, disagrees.

"I love the kids, want them to go to the place where they're happy. The issue is the taxes I want our taxes to go Coleman. I don't want them to go to Taylor County, to a rish school district," said Bates.

The Novice school board also set a public vote on the consolidation issue during the general election November 6, 2012.

They said there will be many hearings between now and then to work out all the details.