Page 38 - Considering College

A 2014 study published by The Texas Education Agency looked at the consequences of school
district consolidation in major metropolitan areas. This investigation showed that as districts grew

so would bureaucratic processes. As bureaucracies increase in size, effectiveness eventually
evaporates as costs escalate. Focus in large organizations becomes directed more toward process

rather than people. Presumed efficiencies of operation rule rather than the love required to
nurture young people in learning one-at-a-time.

It is clear that the consolidations of nearly a century ago near Patton Springs led to a

small but seemingly well-functioning, if imperfect, rural school. These consolidations
were driven by local forces of economy and a critical mass that resulted in “right-sized”
schools that serve people in communities like those in Guthrie, Paducah, Motley County,

Meadow or another purposeful consolidation, Wellman-Union.
The can’t-hide-in-the-shadows, face-to-face contact demanded in smaller schools,

driven by local forces and real people, may be the most important factor in determining
educational quality.

Many smaller schools appear to be “loose” on the process side of the equation. However, individual

attention of teachers and school leaders may enable an orderly and disciplined environment based
on relationships rather than rules.

It is clear that the consolidations of nearly a century ago near Patton Springs led to a small but

seemingly well-functioning, if imperfect, rural school. These consolidations were driven by local
forces of economy and a critical mass that resulted in “right-sized” schools that serve people in

communities like those in Guthrie, Paducah, Motley County, Meadow or another purposeful
consolidation, Wellman-Union. The can’t-hide-in-the-shadows, face-to-face contact demanded in
smaller schools, driven by local forces and real people, may be the most important factor in

determining educational quality.

When considering college, try to find one that pays more attention to people than procedures or
policies. If you sense that politics of people rule rather than politics of process, that’s a college that
deserves a careful look.