Increase student attendance rates by development of a perfect attendance incentive program. Schedule purchases to encourage quick state turnaround in state aid. Access as many special programs as possible that provide additional funding sources outside the regular state aid formula. Rural districts across the country have found the most common areas of cooperation are special education, vocational education, and purchasing. Interscholastic athletics, however, are also becoming an increasingly popular cooperative interest.
Technology is another area that is becoming an increasingly popular cooperative interest.
Telecommunications provides an opportunity to link educators both within a state and across states. While the high cost of technology has prevented many rural school districts from implementing technology programs, the use of cooperatives may be a solution for some. In addition to offering bulk purchasing power, the consortium has a strong network of computer coordinators who provide training and support. The four-day school week is another option that offers solutions to the financial and instructional problems faced by small rural schools. Many rural school districts have implemented a four-day school week because of declining enrollments, decreasing state aid, and the rising costs of operating schools.