| For many of the thirty years since the merger of the Laurel Valley Unified School District and the Ligonier School District, board members have wrestled with the problems of operating two small high school buildings with associated costs of duplicating programs in both ends of the school district. Consolidation of the two high schools has appeared to be an attractive option exercised by board members, yet demographic, social, economic, and political influences have thwarted efforts to achieve this goal.;My purpose for this study was to frame the consolidation debate within these varied and conflicting influences. I analyzed the effect that this debate had on the ability of both the school board and superintendents to lead and govern the school district. I then proposed some ideas that could bring resolution to this controversy.;Interviewing and document review served as the methods for ascertaining both facts and beliefs relative to the debate. I examined such textual materials as school board minutes, newspaper articles and government documents, and interviewed past and present members of the school board.;Certain uncontrollable conditions--the economy, political interference, declining enrollments, decrease in state revenues--existed in both communities and contributed to the decision to join the Laurel Valley and Ligonier school districts in 1966. Yet these two districts differed markedly in their social, economic, and demographic characteristics, and these differences led to conflicts about school matters. In addition, special interest group actions, board disagreements, and school board elections that replaced members frequently affected board decision-making in the (new) Ligonier Valley School District.;In analyzing the debate I concluded that the educational solution for all high school students lies with increasing instructional and extracurricular opportunities. At present, however, community demographics, traditions, values, social and economic variables, financial commitments, and emotional issues do not permit consolidating the two separate and uniquely valued high schools.;In consequence I believe a shared vision must be created in the Ligonier Valley School District, defined in terms related to the entire community. This vision must be reflected in the school board's leadership and governance as the district moves toward a realistic, credible, and attractive future. Ultimately, the high school consolidation issue can only be addressed within a vision shared by the entire district. |
