Consolidation can increase costs

If you are looking for a panacea in regionalization or consolidation; you must be aware that one size does not fit all. We know that labor costs can increase as the result of consolidation, as collective bargaining agreements — faculty, janitors and the like are often unionized. Larger districts tend to have stronger unions, such as maybe as Sparta, though a Sparta Councilman told me that would not be a problem.
There are other problems, as school-size enters the picture as consolidation is more effective at cutting costs when the districts are small (300 pupils). Yes, there are districts here at that level, but when we reach districts with 1,500 or more pupils, there is little gained (Duncome &.Yinger, 2001). I should note that critics say my sources are 'moldy", but I am not sure of that! Let me say regionalization can actually lead to hire more support for regional positions!
One study that takes on significance is a 2005 study conducted at Syracuse University, which found that teachers at smaller schools have more positive attitudes; students at smaller schools have more opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities and students at larger schools tend to feel more isolated and less motivated! I went to a small high school in Bergen County ( Ridgefield), and I found the key Administrators (2), and the teachers were almost always available for either morning or afternoon tutoring!
There is more that I could say on local control and special needs in schools, but the final thought is a study the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation funded, which results showed that small schools commit to the opportunities that make small schools unique-" allowing for a more personalized learning experience for students and better relationships between teachers and students!" That is the need, which got me into college and graduate schools!
Bill Weightman
Hardyston