This may be the best alternative. Sharing superintendents should be considered. However, you may wish to consider the words of U.S. Secretary of Educa-tion Richard Riley, who recently urged communities not to create high schools larger than 600 students. University of Chicago researcher Tony Bryck concluded that larger schools have higher dropout rates, lower achievement, and more problems with crime and violence than smaller schools serving similar groups of people. The Buffalo Ridge may want to look at other consolidations in greater Minnesota.
Fewer students participate than some consolidation advocates predicted.
It's also important to look at busing costs, which could increase. Sometimes, as population declines, people focus on their problems. But the beautiful Buffalo Ridge area has many strengths and opportunities. We'd like to work with you. But regardless of what your school board decides, please remember that you have a beautiful area, with many advantages.