A Survey And Proposal For The Consolidation Of Clements And Elmdale Kansas Rural High School Districts

Author : Joseph B. Foster
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (915 download)

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Download or read book School Consolidation and Community Cohesion in One Rural Kansas Community written by Joseph B. Foster and published by . This book was released on 2015 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Rural communities continue to consolidate and close schools across the country at an alarming rate. Debates surrounding school district consolidation have been known to cause deep tension throughout many communities. It is widely held that, schools in rural areas not only provide education, but create jobs, provide entertainment, and bolster social relationships within a region. Social relationships are necessary for the health and cohesiveness of any community. This in-depth case study of the rural community of Mount Hope identifies the change in cohesion over time. This research shows that there is a relationship between the closing and opening of the school and levels of community cohesion amongst some, but not all, of the groups. The key findings are that a range of social activities not directly related to the school have been affected by the closure. Personal interviews were conducted with local officials, school employees, group leaders, parents, and community members of Mount Hope. This study is relevant to planners, school administrators, and educators alike, as local communities across the state debate the value of district consolidation. The findings are beneficial to communities and school districts to help determine what is best for a community when considering school consolidation or closure.