There was a clear consensus that people would prefer to place their children in multigrade/multi-age situations in small schools rather than bus them to larger schools, particularly at the K-3 level.
Submissions suggested that multigrading should be supported with the proper teacher training and specialized curriculum. The training would consist of required degree courses and professional development in-service opportunities.
There was considerable support for small schools using distance education to offer a wider selection of programs.
Most presenters asked that many factors other than enrolment should be considered before decisions were made to close schools.
Presenters suggested that a number of performance indicators be examined before determining school viability, including: drop-out rates, postsecondary participation rates, assessments by the Department of Education, test score comparisons, scholarships and student retention rates.
It was suggested that various psycho-social factors also be considered. Children, they said, feel more comfortable in their smaller community schools. They receive more personalized attention, have a higher self-esteem and feel safer in small schools. Larger schools were felt to have social problems that take the focus away from the classroom. School closures were thought to cause students stress as they would lose schools, teachers and friends with which they are familiar.
Numerous presenters suggested the following factors be examined before a decision is made to close a school: the quality of the overall program, geographic isolation, community size, population stability, enrolment trends, impact on community viability, community support, parental involvement, parental choice, student preference, how efficiently a school uses its current resources, the condition of school buildings, types of facilities and the quality of the extracurricular program.
Several presenters thought that a cost-benefit analysis of school closures should be required
Presenters suggested the actual savings after the expense of renovating some schools to accommodate additional students, and increased busing costs need to be considered. If the potential savings were not significant, then small community schools should not close.
There was agreement that high schools must be able to offer programs which meet postsecondary entrance requirements.
Presenters stated that schools must be provided proper resources.