LM May.2021

that consolidation saves money and want to explore whether it can work or not. However, it’s crucial that both state and local leaders do their homework and examine the potential impact that consolidation can have on a case-by-case basis. Although our demographics played a big part in how we perceived the commonly stated benefits and liabilities of consolidation, there was one more common belief shared among the responding superintendents. When asked whether “school district consolidation should remain a local decision and not one forced by legislative mandate” an overwhelming percentage (72.37%) agreed compared to only 17.68% that disagreed. I cannot emphasize enough to both our state and local leaders that every district and every situation is unique. A one-size-fits-all approach in a state as diverse as Illinois is not responsible and just looking at the differences of opinion among our state’s superintendents highlights just how complex this issue is. Although it may seem that I am very critical of consolidation, I do believe there are still some school districts that would benefit from some type of school district reorganization. In recent times Illinois has witnessed several school districts successfully reorganize, so it can definitely work. A recommendation for future research I provided within my dissertation was related to that very fact. Despite the many challenges and roadblocks to consolidation, what made consolidation successful in those communities? What were the conditions and factors that made it work? Who were the key leaders behind the efforts? Research of that nature could be a tremendous resource for districts considering consolidation. So, instead of a push for mandated consolidation, what if those efforts were instead focused on creating that road map to success? By having that information, it is possible that Illinois school districts will better navigate the muddy waters of consolidation on their own based on what is best for their respective school communities and students. Q A Is school district reorganization a topic you plan to continue to study?

Consolidation... cont’d.

larger school districts can, and do, typically offer more in terms of academic programming. This includes expanded curriculum and course offerings, more specialized teachers and more opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities. However, what is extremely important to point out is that stronger academic programming (inputs) DOES NOT equal higher achievement results (outputs). And let’s face it, since 1983 when A Nation at Risk was released, it is the outputs that are measured. We have become a nation and society that has become increasingly focused on achievement results. And when it comes to achievement numbers, there is a body of research that shows smaller schools and districts might actually have an edge in achievement. Historically, there have been numerous pushes to consolidate school in Illinois. Why has it been so hard? communities would support consolidation, regardless of any additional state incentives. The majority of superintendents responded that, regardless of any incentives, their communities and boards would be unlikely to ever support consolidation. I believe this goes back to the sense of community theory I mentioned earlier in that many people have a strong sense of obligation to protect their community and schools. Add in the personal connections that so many have to their school districts and those become very powerful human emotions that consolidation must overcome. Those emotions are so powerful that even when a study shows consolidation would be beneficial, some districts have still said no in order to maintain that local control. Although this is not supported by research, I also believe that forced consolidation is often brought up in times of financial difficulties as a political tool rather than a true viable option. Without a doubt, Illinois faces considerable financial difficulties right now, so it is natural for one to hear Q A There are a number of reasons. An interesting question that I posed in my research asked superintendents whether their school boards or

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LM May 2021