Audit suggests Kansas could save millions by consolidating districts

From The Wichita Eagle: A legislative audit suggests that Kansascould save between $15 million and $129 million by consolidating school districts, closing schools and cutting staff. The audit suggested two options. The first would combine districts that had fewer than 400 students or that encompassed less than 200 square miles. That would reduce the number of districts from 293 to 266, close 50 schools and eliminate 230 teachers and administrators. The second option would combine districts with fewer than 1,600 students. That option would reduce the state's districts to 152, close 304 schools and eliminate 1,532 teachers and administrators. The moves would not come without costs. Bigger districts would mean more students would have to be transported to school. Consolidation also would shift more costs from the state to local districts. ALSO...from The Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas State Board of Education members have given the go-ahead for four school districts to pursue consolidation. Claflin Unified School District 354 and Lorraine USD 328 want to merge, as well as Hanston USD 228 and Pawnee Heights USD 496. District officials sought permission from the state board to allow their patrons to vote on the proposed consolidations on April 6.