ERIC Digest, Number Thirteen. Nelson, Erik School consolidation is the practice of combining two or more schools for educational or economic benefits. A consolidated school can offer an expanded curriculum and a more prominent identity in the community while reducing costs through economy of scale. On the other hand, consolidation can incur numerous liabilities, especially if the schools to be closed are the sole providers of community services. The trend toward consolidation of one-room schools began in l918 as a reaction to perceived academic weakness in rural and small schools.
Statistics reveal the tremendous rate of school consolidations.
During the l970s the number of schools in the country declined 5 percent. Because school systems seldom have enough money, arguments based on economic efficiency have also been a powerful force propelling the school consolidation movement. In recents years, declining enrollments have been a further incentive for consolidation. Consolidation of schools has both curricular and financial advantages. First, it often enables the consolidated schools to share courses and facilities.