Close schools to save money? Candidates for board weigh in

[thelakelander]

Count me in among the list of residents who believe closing schools (especially since the lion's share are in distressed walkable communities) is a horrible idea.  Why, because things like neighborhood schools, libraries and green spaces are instrumental in their long term economic survival, more so than they are for sprawling areas where everything is only accessible by car.  Further sending already struggling neighborhoods deeper into the abyss to save a few short term dollars for one specific agency should be discouraged.  Instead, we need to be evaluating our financial issues on a more holistic level, where the opportunity to coordinate with other agencies to streamline expenses can be presented. 

Closing a school can be emotional for families and neighborhoods. But aggressive school consolidation could free up millions of dollars to help a school system improve student achievement.

The 15 candidates seeking seats on the Duval County School Board had a wide range of opinions on whether the county should pursue consolidation. Most said that with proper planning, they would be willing to close schools.
The county is paying a “size premium” for its small, underused elementary schools, according to a 2011 report from consultant Education Resource Strategies.

Last year it had 31 small, under-enrolled elementary schools. Consolidating those types of schools could save about $15 million annually, roughly $500,000 a school, according to the consultant.

full article: http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2012-08-04/story/close-schools-save-money-candidates-board-weigh

[fsquid]

Then raise taxes or cut somewhere else.

[thelakelander]

Or better utilize what you already have.  Not everything can be solved by spending or "so-called" saving money.  The law of unintended consequences plays a role here as well.  By making it more difficult to build and redevelop, what should be fiscally sustainable communities, we end up strengthening the overall development pattern that's bankrupting our city now.