RE: Question 2: Non-traditional education

I have great concerns of the proposed role of the state in the Master Plan under Recommendation 35; "To enhance the efficiency and educational effectiveness of public schools, the smallest one-third of public school districts, as defined by ADA, should be eliminated through locally-determined consolidation and/or unification within a prescribed time period."  The case is made in this recommendation for cost efficiency, cohesivness and unification.  I would argue that what we might lose would be more costly; small, personal districts where local needs are considered and local challenges addressed.  Bigger is not necessarily better.  We should not confuse bigger bureaucracy with bigger educational returns.