Abstract

The federated school district is a cooperative organizational alternative for low enrollment rural districts that face future enrollment decline and/or fiscal exigency. This alternative is most feasible for adjacent districts that serve small to medium size geographic areas. Salient characteristics include local elementary attendance units, small regional high schools, a governing assembly with an executive committee from existing school boards and a multiple district administrative team. The planning model uses hand or microcomputer spreadsheet calculations to simulate the organizational structure implications of cooperation among various combinations of existing elementary-secondary districts. Use of the model incorporates a rational, data-based approach into what is essentially a political process. Acceptance of an adequate federated district organization would provide a larger framework for cooperation in planning and implementation of instruction, student support, plant facility, transportation, administration and other services.

How to Cite:

Sederberg, C. H., (1987) “The Federated District " A Planning Model for Rural Schools”, Journal of Research in Rural Education 5(1), 1–5.

Rights: Copyright