School consolidation and community cohesion in one rural Kansas community: Mount Hope

dc.contributor.authorFoster, Joseph B.
dc.date.accessioned2015-04-27T15:24:12Z
dc.date.available2015-04-27T15:24:12Z
dc.date.graduationmonthMay
dc.date.issued2015-04-27
dc.description.abstractRural communities continue to consolidate and close schools across the country at an alarming rate. Debates surrounding school district consolidation have been known to cause deep tension throughout many communities. It is widely held that, schools in rural areas not only provide education, but create jobs, provide entertainment, and bolster social relationships within a region. Social relationships are necessary for the health and cohesiveness of any community. This in-depth case study of the rural community of Mount Hope identifies the change in cohesion over time. This research shows that there is a relationship between the closing and opening of the school and levels of community cohesion amongst some, but not all, of the groups. The key findings are that a range of social activities not directly related to the school have been affected by the closure. Personal interviews were conducted with local officials, school employees, group leaders, parents, and community members of Mount Hope. This study is relevant to planners, school administrators, and educators alike, as local communities across the state debate the value of district consolidation. The findings are beneficial to communities and school districts to help determine what is best for a community when considering school consolidation or closure.
dc.description.advisorKatherine Nesse
dc.description.degreeMaster of Regional and Community Planning
dc.description.departmentLandscape Architecture/Regional and Community Planning
dc.description.levelMasters
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/2097/19152
dc.language.isoen_US
dc.publisherKansas State University
dc.rights© the author. This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
dc.rights.urihttp://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
dc.subjectSchool consolidation
dc.subjectRural
dc.subjectCohesion
dc.subjectEducation
dc.subject.umiEducation, General (0515)
dc.subject.umiEducation Policy (0458)
dc.subject.umiSocial Research (0344)
dc.titleSchool consolidation and community cohesion in one rural Kansas community: Mount Hope
dc.typeReport

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