LM May.2021_FINAL

What did you find are the perceptions of Illinois school superintendents related to consolidation? Honestly, it really depends on the demographic perspective superintendents work within. I broke demographics down into four categories: • Experience with consolidation (those who have gone through consolidation, had a consolidation study, or those who have done neither). • Geographical location (rural, suburban, or urban). • Size of the school district (0-499, 500-1499, or 1500+). • Organization type (elementary, high school, or unit). In looking at those four demographic categories, there were significant levels of difference in all but one category, which was experience with consolidation. In every other category – district location, district enrollment size, and district organization type – the differences in perceived benefits and liabilities were very significant. Q A

Despite those levels of difference, there were several questions that produced strong levels of either agreement or disagreement among the 181 responding superintendents. The questions that produced the highest levels of agreement or disagreement were: • Superintendents disagreed with the perception that consolidation would save money by having only one taxing body rather than two. • Superintendents agreed with the perception that consolidation would provide increased educational opportunities through expanded curriculum, course offerings and also opportunity to employ more specialized teachers. • Superintendents agreed that consolidation would result in an increase in spending due to higher salaries and benefits, as well as increased transportation costs. • Superintendents agreed that consolidation would result in significant one-time expenditures related to new or renovated buildings and facilities, new uniforms for sports teams/clubs and new signage.

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LM May 2021