Files
Abstract
The purpose of this case study is to examine the decision making process of board members in an urban district when faced with closing urban schools. The study analyzed the information that board members used to select schools for closure as well as their perceptions on the decision making process. A neoliberal framework was used to frame the study because many urban districts throughout the country struggle to remain afloat based on the impact of charter schools, gentrification, and privatization of services that are generally reserved for public schools. It was found that board members relied heavily on enrollment and economic factors to aid their decisions. In addition, the role of local community politics impacted the selection process and influenced how schools were selected for closure. Overall, board members felt that the conditions of many schools should have resulted in more schools being targeted for closure.