Local control is a basic component of success in academic progress of students. The over sight of neighborhood schools by local school boards is more accountable and closer to the homes of each school community, rather than a bureaucratic board or superintendent hundreds of miles away that may not be able to successfully resolve local problems on a mass scale in a large state such as California.

Neighborhood school boards can act more timely and effectively to meet the needs of each local community. The local school board is more easily held accountable for the administration of school business. Distant school boards can make decisions at whim without the input and collaboration with parents that is necessary for schools to succeed. Decisions made by a distant administration can miss the timely aspect necessary for success due to the large school and student population, as well as the large geographic size of our state.

Various parts of our state have different student populations, and different support needs. Size and needs of school districts vary widely throughout. What may be good for one district may not necessarily work as well in another district. For instance, a large district with numerous large cities is a very different district than a small rural district. Both ends of the spectrum are typically not as cost effective as the average size districts. (i.e., a small district still requires a district office, district superintendent, district staff personnel, etc, and a large district tends to overstaff at the top, funding an overabundance of district staff positions that many districts do not have).

Equalizing the size of school districts would save tax dollars, and improve academic achievement. Large districts have demonstrated difficulties with the administration of education for mass numbers of students. The effectiveness of a distant administrative model has proven ineffective for academic progress.

There are some basic concepts and needs statewide such as alignment of curriculum content standards, basic academic and financial needs, school plant management and maintenance, behavioral expectations, improvement of academic achievement by providing increased rigor of education through class activities and assignments, and teacher professional development.

When stake-holders have a high degree of decision-making at the local control, the high level of participation is more productive in achieving success. Local school site councils help solve a variety of difficulties that arise on campuses throughout the state. Local control facilitates staff and community input, as well as how SIP funds and other funds are spent at local campuses. Local control is the best model for academic success.

This may be reproduced if credit is given to Diane A. Lenning, Ed.M. Candidate for CA SPI, 2006.