The Charleston Experience 1975-1982: A Field Study Concerning the Financial, Academic, and Extracurricular Problems and Solutions in the Charleston, Illinois School System from 1975-1982

The purpose of the study was to execute a study of how the Charleston Community Unit District #1 was affected by the severe financial problems it faced from 1975 to present. The study shows how a basic program of academic and extracurricular offerings were maintained while trying to solve the financial problems. There is information in the study to show how the financial debt was identified and what solutions were attempted to eliminate the debt. Another phase of the study shows the relationship of the community, Board of Education, and administrative staff during the period of time from 1975 to present. The role of community members and Board of Education members changed significantly during this period of time, and the study documents this change. After achieving a successful solution to the financial problems, the study traces the steps taken in rebuilding an academic and extracurricular program. All programs cut were not just reinstated. A very thorough study of needs analysis was completed by the school district to verify a need for each program. The paper includes documentation from studies completed in this period of time that the school district used to identify the financial problems, seek solutions, and rebuild the programs. The recommendations concluded from the study include: 1. The key to the successful administration of a school district today is sound financial planning. 2. Board of Education members are going to be more actively involved in school administration. A board committee structure may be used to channel board members activities, but committees should be highly structured and run by the superintendent. 3. Close attention should be given to studying community reactions to possible reductions in programs to save money. School closings, staff reductions, and elimination of programs must be studied very thoroughly to be sure the public will accept the final decision. 4. The sports program must be developed to offer equal opportunity for boys and girls. The school district should develop a master plan for all interscholastic sports and be prepared for community pressure groups to add popular growing sports such as soccer. 5. School districts must offer relevant and viable curriculum that can be afforded. 6. Planning for the future of the school district is a key to successful administration. The members of the Board of Education, and the school administration should prepare themselves to be in a position to act on current and future issues and not have to react to old problems