A case study of closing schools in a large metropolitan school district experiencing declining enrollment /

Abstract

The working use of the model was illustrated by reviewing the recent closure of two schools in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where the model was applied.

The purpose of this study was to develop a model for closing schools in large metropolitan school districts faced with declining enrollments. Included in this case study was a review of the existing literature on declining enrollment and school closure and a detailed review of consolidation efforts in three cities: (1) Seattle, Washington, (2) Salt Lake City, Utah, (3) Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Recommendations that emerged from the study that appear to have relevance for large urban school systems facing school closure because of declining enrollment included: (1) A district should have a rational consolidation plan. (2) Early planning is crucial. (3) There must be community involvement. (4) Community acceptance is a necessary prior condition. . . . (Author's abstract exceeds stipulated maximum length. Discontinued here with permission of author.) UMI

The data for the study were collected over an extended period of time and the researcher was a participant-observer in one of the selected school systems. The data were collected by the use of three data gathering techniques: (1) a search of available written materials, (2) direct observation, and (3) interviews. The data were analyzed and used as a basis for the development of a model for schools in declining enrollment districts.

As a result of the study, criteria emerged which were used as a part of the school closing model. They included: (1) Early planning, (2) Community involvement, (3) Lead time, (4) Flexibility, and (5) Communication. The four components of the model were: (1) Data gathering--data collected include school facilities studies, enrollment statistics, financial situation of district, minimum and maximum size of schools, criteria for school closing, impact on education programs, desegregation, transportation and community; (2) Community education--informing the community of problems faced by the district; (3) Organization--the organization of area planning councils; (4) Decision making--the interaction of the school planning councils, area planning councils, superintendents staff and the school board as they seek a decision on school closings. The functions and relationships of the components of the model were discussed and graphically illustrated.