Despite the overwhelming evidence demonstrating the advantages of small schools and the importance of having a school within the community, the threat of school consolidation is a reality for many small rural schools and districts. Those in favor of consolidation claim improved academic offerings and cost-effectiveness based on economies of scale arguments, but they have proven to be unsubstantiated. The negative effects of larger schools, however, have been proven, and too many rural students and communities have been forced to endure the consequences:

• Long bus rides
• Negative impact on the social and economic health of the community
• Increase in costs, particularly in transportation
• Higher dropout rates
• Increased anonymity in large schools
• Lower participation in extra-curricular activities by students and all school activities by parents and community members.

We believe good education is in part a function of a strong relationship between a community and its schools and that the physical presence of schools close to where their students live can only enhance this relationship.