Junction Books in Carlton this week, a group of teachers gathered in a side room to take part remotely in a consolidation transition meeting. Because conversations are sensitive, nobody at the bookstore wanted to talk, but the long-debated merger remains a hot topic for students and residents in both communities. Two varsity basketball seniors, Alex Gillette, of Carlton, and Bryce Bartczak, of Wrenshall, spoke during the junior varsity contest. School board members from both districts have cited the merging of sports and activities as a precursor to consolidation - illustrative of how the communities could work well together. Councilor Heather MacDonald agreed that consolidation was a good move, believing that the combined district can eventually compete for students.