[greenshoes]

http://www.rrstar.com/updates/x11577...ers-not-needed

Consolidation not the answer (Illinois)

A state commission studying education spending has concluded that Illinois schools could save hundreds of millions of dollars by sharing information and resources but that forcing small districts to consolidate would be a costly mistake.

Simply letting each district see how others are cutting costs and then study whether to adopt the same approach could save $1 billion, the Classrooms First Commission claims.

I know many in Ohio thinks this needs to happen...interesting article

[Ramoth]

We're not in Illinois.
Has there been a similar study in Ohio with the same conclusion?
A study somewhere else is worthless, it means nothing here.

[greenshoes]

Ramoth...in your opinion...

every state faces the same issues, Ohio is not in a bubble...economy and private vs public issues in high school sports, same problems facing everyone...Illinois allows schools to co-op athletics, consolidation will still come because the Illinois Governor wants it...

lived in Ohio for over 30 years, not much different when it comes to these issues...

[ECOLace]

You're trying to compare apples to oranges though.

Different state, different tax systems, different circumstances for every school.

[lmavcch3]

Actually heard if the state takes over a district due to them not passing a levy, etc., one of the 1st things the state does is look at consolidation. At least that's what is being threatened to a local district in financial difficulty.

[greenshoes]

from INDIANA...

http://www.indystar.com/article/2012...ball-landscape

The most recent educational policy brief from the Center for Evaluation & Education Policy at Indiana University concluded that despite some legislative interest, mandating school consolidation would have minimal impact on state spending on public education.

"Also from an academic standpoint, there is not a compelling case to be made for further consolidation," said Terry Spradlin, the associate director of education policy at CEEP. "It should be done on a case-by-case basis. Let local communities decide what's best for them."

[truck_fly]

There are atleast 20 schools in NW that should consolidate.