Evaluating the Need for School Closures
For school superintendents, few decisions weigh as heavily as the potential closure of educational institutions.
As enrollment numbers drop and federal funding dwindles, many districts are left to evaluate whether they must reduce their facilities.
Often, the smallest schools—especially those struggling with low enrollment—are the first on the chopping block.
However, experts argue that basing these significant decisions solely on enrollment figures overlooks crucial elements.
Factors like educational outcomes, community needs, and the true financial ramifications of closing a school should play a vital role in the evaluation process.
This guidance is particularly essential as districts confront looming budget deficits.
Marguerite Roza, director of the Edunomics Lab at Georgetown University, warns against a “one-size-fits-all” mindset when it comes to school facilities.
She advocates for assessing a school’s overall effectiveness and energy rather than merely counting students.
It’s entirely possible for smaller schools to maintain their financial health while still providing quality education.
The Economic Implications of Closing Schools
Many assume that shutting down schools will lead to substantial savings for districts, but this isn’t always the case.
Research from the Edunomics Lab reveals that closing just one school out of every 15 with low enrollment only cuts about 4 percent from a district’s overall budget.
Most of these savings stem from reduced labor costs.
Why so little? Teachers typically represent the largest expense for school districts.
Consequently, even when buildings are closed, the need for educators in other schools remains largely unchanged.
Additionally, districts often have to continue incurring maintenance costs for vacant buildings to prevent deterioration, and there are initial expenses associated with closing schools to consider.
Selling off these facilities can be a challenging endeavor, particularly as many of them sit in areas with declining populations, making them less attractive for businesses looking to move in.
The physical condition of these schools can also complicate repurposing attempts, making the entire closure process more intricate.
Consequences for Students
The impact of school closures disproportionately affects students of color, particularly those in predominantly Black institutions.
These closures can disrupt student learning and create barriers to a consistent educational experience.
Research indicates that school closures can have detrimental effects both in the short term and long term.
It’s particularly urgent to protect schools that boast strong academic performances since their closure can spell trouble for students of color.
A Texas-based study revealed that students from closed schools suffered falls in both math and reading scores in the years following the closure.
Additionally, increased absenteeism and disciplinary issues became evident, especially among economically disadvantaged and minority students, with Hispanic students experiencing notable drops in attendance.
By the time they reach 26, those who had their schools closed are less likely to have gone to college or graduated compared to their peers.
Their earning potential also suffers.
Roza argues that any decision to close a school should be made with careful planning in mind.
It’s critical to ensure that students affected by closures transition to higher-performing institutions.
Districts should consider strategies that allow students to move as cohesive groups or ensure that trusted staff members accompany them to preserve stability.
Beyond being centers of education, schools also serve as vital community assets, hosting cultural events and providing job opportunities.
The impact of school closures can extend beyond just the classroom, further marginalizing already vulnerable communities, whether in urban or rural settings.
Researcher Mara Casey Tieken emphasizes the importance of schools in sustaining both social and economic vitality in rural regions.
Closure of these schools often means stripping communities of valuable resources.
In Philadelphia, the school district is reevaluating its approach to closures with the aim of consolidating resources more effectively.
Their goal is to streamline operations while enhancing what schools still remain.
Superintendent Tony Watlington Jr. acknowledges the challenging balance between fiscal responsibility and meeting community needs.
He firmly believes that equity calls for more investment in specific school communities, irrespective of their current size or enrollment trends.
Source: Edweek