An Analysis of the Financial Aid and Political Consequences experienced by School corporations when closing a School or Consolidating Schools

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the common consequences experienced by school corporations when closing or consolidating schools. The primary focus of the study was to identify the financial and political consequences experienced by school corporations when closing a school closing or consolidating schools. Specific questions regarding district facilities, district personnel, district expenditures, and district educational programs were asked. Four superintendents for this study were selected from a sampling of Indiana school corporations who had experienced declining enrollments and a school closure or consolidation. Once identified, superintendents were interviewed to determine the financial and political consequences experienced when closing a school or consolidating schools. After a review of the literature and obtaining the perspective of superintendents through interviews, the researcher was able to discover many common themes school corporations faced when closing or consolidating schools. Those themes can be found in the following statements: 1. There was community conflict that was generated when a neighborhood school closed. 2. Teacher associations were very protective of positions and were hesitant to agree to staff reductions. 3. The financial condition of the district was a strong consideration when contemplating a school closing or consolidation. 4. Administrative staff reductions were an integral part of working through the school closure or consolidation process. 5. Board members were reluctant to move ahead with a school closure or consolidation. 6. Non-certified personnel positions were eliminated during the closure or consolidation process. The literature review and accompanying interviews also helped answer the Grand Tour questions that prompted this research study. The answers to the Grand Tour questions follow: 1. There are significant financial and political consequences when closing a school or consolidating schools. 2. There are significant financial and political consequences to school districts when closing or consolidating schools. 3. There are significant consequences to district facilities, district personnel, and district expenditures when closing or consolidating schools. 4. There are few consequences to programs when closing or consolidating schools. The results presented above demonstrated consequences school corporations experienced when closing a school or consolidating schools.