At the same time, systems and schools need to be small. Communities are demanding more autonomy. People want to identify with something that is close to them and to have a voice in the decisions that affect them. Small is more comfortable, more flexible and more likely to be innovative. Systems need to be centralized and decentralized at the same time.
Centralization provides consistency and some efficiencies.
However, decentralization is the best means of ensuring community support and creating a structure that is responsive to local needs. There is a desire to control all parts of the system and at the same time a recognition that central control is inappropriate. For example, a school division central office may have a preferred issue or program that is a low priority in a particular community. The local school community needs the autonomy to address local issues first so long as educational outcomes are achieved. There are several possible options for structural change to support the delivery of education in Saskatchewan.