Consolidation of Schools

Lake Forest was born out of the state legislature in a bill known as the Education Advancement Act. It was determined, by the powers that be, that Delaware had too many tiny school districts. I suspect advocates for the Act argued that students would have greater opportunities and more diverse courses if larger schools were created. This was especially true for high school students. It was a popular move all over the United States in the late 60s.

Now, some folks in power are pushing for the consolidation of school districts once again in Delaware. They suggest that Delaware is not large enough for 16 districts (19 if you include the vo-techs). Some advocate for a move to just 3 school districts, one for each county. If successful, what was once Lake Forest, would be folded into the newly formed Kent County School District along with Caesar Rodney, Capital and Smyrna.

Prior to arriving in Lake Forest, I served as Superintendent for 8 years of Wood County School District in West Virginia with a student population of 15,000. We had 28 schools which included 3 high schools, 5 junior highs, 20 elementary schools, a vocational school and shared operation of school on the local community college campus.

I have extensive knowledge and experience from running county school systems. And, I have an opinion about further consolidation in Delaware, based upon that experience. My opinion, leave it alone. Let’s explore the issues.

Pro: Advocates for consolidation believe that it will save lots of money in operation costs, particularly because it will reduce the number of high paid administrator positions. I would agree that in theory, the administrative team could be reduced some when consolidation occurs. Sorry, this is the only pro that I can come up with.

Con: Some salary dollars can be saved through reducing administrators, but combining districts would require agreeing to one pay scale. All pay grades would be raised to whichever pays the most. For instance if a teacher with 20 years experience and a masters degree makes $1500 more in Smyrna than in Lake Forest, Capital and Caesar Rodney, the teachers from the lower paying districts will need leveled up. All teachers in the new Kent County District with a masters degree and 20 years should make the same.
I suspect that if one compares the cost of leveling up the salaries of all other employee categories, you find that you spend more than you save in reduced administrator positions. So you would spend more than you save and none of it would go for more teachers or more resources for kids.

Con: Nobody I know who is a fan of consolidation has suggested that it’s good for kids. There is no evidence, no research to suggest that bigger school districts have more successful students. In fact, much research points to smaller units being more effective.

Con: Presently in Lake Forest, the whole community finds the superintendent and the board of education easily accessible when they have problems or issues they want to discuss. We can provide good customer service because we live, shop and worship in the Lake Forest communities. If we were a part of a Kent County District, we might have one elected person from this area on the board of education. The board member would have to be concerned with programs, equity and resources with al Kent County Schools. We can assume that the main office would be in Dover. Your child may attend the same school, but it would be a part of a district with about 25,000 other kids.

My bias is clear, I’ll admit. As a superintendent of 21 years I have been a leader of K-12 school districts with 1500 students, 4000 students, 5000 students and 15,000 students. But, my bias is based upon some experience. I’d be glad to know what you think.