As the system struggles to redesign itself, innovation and clearer direction with issues-based programs is evident. For Extension professionals, however, restructuring has often meant chaos, stress, resistance, and conflict. In some states, restructuring has focused on state positions versus county positions. In others, people in 4-H, home economics, and agriculture have been pitted against one another resulting in despair, fragmentation, scapegoating, and a weakened system. In trying to rightsize, states may use a staffing formula based on county indexing.
States using indexing are Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Kansas, Nebraska, and Wisconsin.
State Extension organizations appear to use a mix of two basic approaches, with variations to deal with structure and staffing changes. Although each approach has unique elements, the two aren't mutually exclusive. Most states use elements of both to redesign their Extension Systems. This often means cutting budgets and positions across the board. Critical positions may be lost.