HOW WE DID IT: ACADEMIC, FINANCIAL, AND COMMUNITY ASPECTS OF RURAL SCHOOL DISTRICT CONSOLIDATION

Abstract

This study explored the impact of rural school district consolidation in eastern North Carolina. Wilkins County is a low-income, low-performing county with an average daily membership (ADM) of 1,501 students. This county suffers from rural population decline, decreasing ADM, and is categorized as low performing, with only two of the six schools meeting an annual growth requirement in North Carolina for the 2016-2017 school year. In 2017-2018, the six schools in this system went through planning and input sessions to implement school consolidation. This case study reviews the process of consolidation one year after 2017-2018 consolidation in terms of academic, financial, and community. It was determined that academics increased, the need for financial support increased, and the community perceived the event as positive overall. It was also concluded that additional years of data would be needed to determine the long-term effects. This information is valuable for other school districts that are seeking to consolidate multiple campuses while maintaining community support.