SAU Consolidation?

Although the number of students in the state has decreased by 10 percent in the past decade, the number of School Administrative Units (SAUs) have increased. SAUs have existed in some form in New Hampshire for nearly 100 years--and every school district is required to belong to one.

According to the New Hampshire Center for Public Policy Studies, SAUs oversee matters that cross district lines, including transportation contracts, personnel and salary negotiations, and curriculum coordination.

Those in favor of consolidation argue that it would decrease costs per pupil and reduce unnecessary layers of administrative oversight. Others contend that consolidation would enables districts to hire more specialized teaching staff and provide a more diverse education.

Those against consolidation, however, cite other states where consolidation generated additional costs in capital spending that offset any savings. They also argue that consolidation could affect labor relations and provide greater bargaining power for larger teaching staffs.

Do you support SAU consolidation? Leave a comment below to join the discussion, and we'll present your thoughts to stakeholders considering this issue.