Dynamics of school district consolidation: A qualitative study of the River Ridge School District

This study is a qualitative examination of the dynamics of school district consolidation focusing on the experience of the River Ridge School District. The district was created through the merger of two smaller school districts in 1995 after overcoming the legacy of a failed consolidation attempt in 1958. Interviews with stakeholders focus on their personal experience of consolidation and offer varied perspectives on the process after more than 10 years have passed. Additional data gathered from a focus group of educational leaders provides additional perspectives on current challenges facing many of Wisconsin's small rural school districts.