State superintendent says some schools could be consolidated OKLAHOMA CITY (KOSU) - State Schools Superintendent Sandy Garrett says as many as 50 districts may have to consolidate because of rising gasoline, energy and food costs.
Garrett says those financial pressures combined with declining enrollments and teacher and administrative turnover likely will result in districts merging or being warned that they need to consider doing so soon.
About 40 of the state's school districts have fewer than 100 students.
Garrett also was concerned that without a change in law, a $5 million consolidation fund may sit dormant. Districts can only use money from the fund for voluntary annexations.
The concern arose during a report to the State Board of Education about the consolidation of Lost City School.
Because voters there rejected voluntary annexation, neighboring Hulbert cant receive any help from that fund as it absorbs Lost City students and assets.

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