WABASH, Ind. (WOWO): Two school districts in Wabash County are merging.

The Metropolitan School District of Wabash County’s school board unanimously agreed to merge the Southwood and Northfield school systems this week.

Dwindling enrollment and increased educational benefits are cited as reasons for the merge, according to The Paper of Wabash County.

The merger will take place at the start of the 2017-2018 school year.

Northfield High School will be the new senior high school for grades ninth through 12.

Southwood High School becomes the junior high school site for grades five through eight.

Metro North and Southwood elementary will remain open for kindergarten through fourth-grade. Sharp Creek Elementary will close for now, but it could be used in the future for administration offices or an alternative learning base.

Audience reaction to the merger vote was mostly positive, according to The Paper. However, some educators felt they were kept in the dark until the last minute.