THE COST OF SMALL SCHOOLS

Despite all the rhetoric about the quality aspect of small schools, the discussion inevitably boils down to a consideration of cost. The issue of cost differentials associated with school size requires an examination of the cost implications of alternatives. There are definite economies of scale associated with size; however, there also appears to be a point at which costs begin to rise relative to increased size. Research on school size provides support for the conclusion that costs do not automatically increase as schools get smaller and decrease as they get larger. When the actual costs are examined, it is evident that most cost differentials associated with size are due to personnel costs reflected in both pt'il- teacher ratio differences and administration time. One should not assume the inevitability of either short-term or long-term savings from either school closure or consolidation. It is perhaps too simplistic a question to ask if small schools cost more; the relationship between school cost and size is more complex than can be answered in a simple negative or affirmative response. The cost considerations of closure or consolidation or size in general appear far less in magnitude than those of the quality consideration of size. (11 references) (KM) ************************************X****tt*A************************** * Reproductions supplied by MRS are the best that can be made * * from the original document.