Lamar School District 2023 Student Consolidation Survey

Magellan Strategies is pleased to present the topline results of a Lamar School District online school consolidation survey of residents and parents of students. The survey interviewed 574 respondents from November 14th to December 5th , 2023.

Residents of the Lamar School District initially expressed modest majority support for the proposed school consolidation plan. Just over half supported combining middle school and high school students into one building, while a slightly larger majority supported consolidating preschool and elementary schools into a single PK-5 facility. However, a substantial minority opposed both proposals, indicating that opinions were divided at the outset.

As respondents were provided with additional information about the age and condition of existing facilities, support increased. Learning that several school buildings were decades old and required ongoing maintenance made a majority more likely to support consolidation. Similarly, information about infrastructure challenges, including outdated systems and costly code compliance requirements, further strengthened support, suggesting that facility conditions were a key driver of opinion.

Cost savings and operational efficiencies also played a significant role in shaping attitudes. When respondents were told that consolidation could reduce expenses related to utilities, transportation, and overall operations, more than two-thirds said they were more likely to support the plan. This indicated that financial efficiency was an important consideration for many residents when evaluating the proposal.

Concerns about combining middle school and high school students were mitigated by additional details about the proposed design. When respondents learned that the new 6th–12th grade building would include separate wings to limit interaction between age groups, support increased substantially. This finding suggested that addressing student safety and developmental concerns helped alleviate hesitation about consolidation.

Educational and student-focused benefits further improved perceptions of the plan. Respondents reacted positively to information indicating that consolidation would provide access to updated facilities, improved technology, enhanced safety measures, and expanded opportunities such as career and technical education for younger students. These benefits reinforced the idea that consolidation could improve the overall student experience.

Logistical and family-oriented advantages also resonated with respondents. Many said they were more likely to support consolidation after learning it could simplify transportation routes and make drop-off and pick-up more convenient for families with children of different ages. Additionally, the potential for improved campus safety through centralized locations and consistent access to a school resource officer contributed to increased support.

Information about the proposed site plan and new stadium location further increased support. As described alongside the image on page 6, respondents reacted positively to explanations about construction efficiencies, future development considerations, compliance with building requirements, and improved access and safety associated with the new layout. These details helped clarify how the plan would function in practice and why certain decisions were made.

After reviewing all information, overall support for both consolidation proposals increased notably. Support for combining middle and high school students rose to a clear majority, and support for consolidating preschool and elementary schools reached a similar level. Opposition declined correspondingly, though a portion of residents remained opposed. Overall, the survey indicated that while initial opinions were mixed, providing detailed information about costs, safety, facilities, and educational benefits significantly increased community support for the consolidation plan.