ERIC Number: ED272346
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1985-Mar
Reference Count: 0
School Consolidation: Easing the Transition. Administrative Report.
Changing population patterns, inflated housing costs, and cuts in school financing have forced many school districts to face school closures and school consolidation as a way of maintaining solvency. This report reviews the literature on school consolidation with attention to the fact that the need to consolidate now faces elementary schools as well as junior and senior high schools. The shift in school-neighborhood alliances may leave deep scars in school-community relations, or it may provide an opportunity for the lay public and educators to work together in a cooperative venture to maintain and perhaps even to raise the quality of educational programs in their districts. The experience of school districts that have consolidated indicates that the keys to success are planning, communication, and community involvement. Planning should involve community and staff at every step beginning with the initial study to identify the drawbacks and benefits of consolidation. Communication must include students, parents, and teachers and must keep them all informed of plans, progress, and what to expect next. Communication strategies can include newsletters, open house and community meetings, parent association meetings, student assemblies, and local media. Community involvement has been accomplished by establishing committees for joint activities with equal representation from all schools involved. Notes and references are appended. (JHZ)
Descriptors: Change Strategies, Communication (Thought Transfer), Community Involvement, Community Support, Consolidated Schools, Cooperative Planning, Educational Change, Elementary Schools, Elementary Secondary Education, Mergers, Parent Role, Parent School Relationship, Public Relations, School Closing, School Community Relationship, School Support, Staff Role, Student Needs
Publication Type: Information Analyses
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Practitioners; Community
Authoring Institution: San Mateo County Office of Education, Redwood City, CA. SMERC Information Center.