Consolidation has become both a solution for small, rural school districts and a contentious policy fraught with numerous difficulties. Despite concerns about limited curricula and higher operating expenses, there is no generalizable evidence that students educated in rural settings underachieve or have deficient social skills. Recent research has…

This newsletter describes the role of principals in managing the effects of declining enrollment. Suggestions are provided regarding the decision-making process, staff reassignment, student transfer, curriculum modification, disposition of equipment and materials, and how to deal with parent and student concerns. The experiences of five school…