There have been a couple of articles recently about a really good idea that is being pursued by three local school districts in Lancaster County. They are making their campuses more open by sharing teachers, having before hours, and after hours classes, and using technology to enhance (rather than provide) their teaching.

As we work on our strategic plan, we have been considering some of the same things. This sort of innovation and cooperation speaks well of the leadership at the three districts—especially Penn Manor who came up with the idea. As budgetary realities start slamming us in the noggin, this sort of creativity is going to be critical. It will, no doubt, become more of the norm, but the people that come up with the ideas first should get some credit. So kudos!

Astute observers of education should recognize that the locus of control over education is shifting. Monolithic public school districts are breaking down. This is both necessary and good. The system is going to (has to) change. We can hope that more power and control over the process is restored to the parents and to the locals. (See the article that I posted recently from First Things on why this is good.)

Here are the articles:

3 school districts will merge teaching efforts article

PM supports open campus plan

Note, however, in an article published today (which people have not yet tied together) that the other shoe is poised to fall. Hempfield, one of the districts involved in the open campus idea, is facing a $4.4 million budget shortfall next year. Sharing teachers means needing fewer teachers. Open campus is, no doubt, a prelude to fewer teachers. This is a necessary correction, but no one seems to see it coming yet, so you heard it first here. Here is the article:

Hempfield facing budget short fall