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INTRODUCTION <br />From 1977 -83, 240 public schools closed in Minnesota. School closings have <br />affected all parts of Minnesota, though a disproportionate share of the clos- <br />ings have been in larger school districts. The reasons? Declining enrollment <br />has been the primary cause, with replacement of outmoded facilities often a <br />consideration as well. <br />Naturally, the utilization and /or disposition of school surplus space has been <br />of continuing concern to school districts and communities. A fair amount of <br />published materials have, highlighted creative uses of surplus space, including <br />'Minnesota school district examples. However, no handy general guide exists to <br />assist local school officials and citizens in getting a broad overview of alter- <br />native uses of surplus school space and how to get started on developing and <br />implementing these alternatives. <br />In 1984 the Legislature directed the Commissioner of Education to "collect <br />information on and evaluate methods for sharing public school facilities with <br />other organizations including government agencies, social service agencies, and <br />other non — profit and for — profit organizations." Therein lies the basis of the <br />background research gathered, questionnaires sent out and responses analyzed, <br />sites visited, and guide developed for the purpose of assisting local school <br />officials and citizens. <br />The goals of this Guide are to (1) provide interested persons with an overview <br />and description of alternative uses of surplus school space, complete with <br />local and national school site examples,' (2) cite relevant Minnesota Statutes <br />which enable school districts to take appropriate actions, (3) suggest ways to <br />develop and implement proposals for alternative uses of surplus school space, <br />and (4) recommend additional sources of information and schools to visit or <br />call for ideas. <br />47 <br />