Question about funding school districts and counties in California

[XemaSab]

Why is there not more of a push towards consolidating counties and school districts?

It seems like it would make sense for Colusa and Glenn, or Sutter and Yuba, to become one, larger county. Or would it?

Also, it seems like it would make sense for Shasta County (for example) to have only a small handful of school districts than the current 13. Or would this not save money?

:hi:

[proud2BlibKansan]

1. That's a dilemma here in Kansas as well

The problem is that when you close a school it really hurts the community. When it's a small town, a closed school can kill the town.

[XemaSab]

6. I'm not thinking of closing schools

I am suggesting merging districts, so that there isn't a separate district for every little town in the county, with attendant superintendents and so forth.

[proud2BlibKansan]

7. That almost always involves closing schools

[NV Whino]

2. I don't see how it would save money

You still have the same number of kids. Closing and consolidating schools isn't the answer because then you end up with bussing and over crowded classrooms--more overcrowded than they already are.

[duhneece]

4. Usually, the Superintendent is an over-paid administrator

But by having him, it appears to provide each small county/school district more independence. APPEARS is the operative word. On the other hand, one superintendent of a large area/region can squash an attempt to change things for the better by the smaller area/region/district. It's really a case by case story.

[PBS Poll-435]

3. Sadly, in Texas

Administration is one of the largest expenses related in education.

Wilmer-Hutchins, for example spent so much cash that they were declared insolvent and were absorbed by the Dallas ISD a few years ago.

[EFerrari]

5. I bet that's even more true at colleges.

I think admin is one of the biggest costs at Cal, for example.