Merging schools could result in reduced spending in local communities. For example, if the schools are located in different communities, students would no longer buy lunch or purchase bus fare in one of the communities after the merge. However, merging schools would ultimately save the school and taxpayers money. Instead of spending money on operating two school buildings and hiring teachers and other school staff positions for two schools, only one school would incur these costs.
Merging schools could result in an improved graduation rate. For example, if one school has a graduation rate of 65 percent while the other has a rate of 96.2 percent, merging the school would produce a new average rate of 80.6 percent. The merger would create the appearance of increase competence and help the school achieve the goals necessary to receive federal funding.
According to Illinois community organizer Mike Davis, merging schools could result in a loss of personalization for students who are troubled or gifted due to an increased student body population.This could affect their academic performance and their ability to learn in the classroom. In contrast, Washington principal Mike Marcos stated that merging schools could result in a fresh start for educators and a chance to reinvent the school and classrooms. However, there could be potential issues around merging various staff positions, especially at the senior leadership level, and many employees would be forced to look for work elsewhere.
In general, smaller schools are safer than larger schools. Studies have shown that there is a correlation between level of violence and size of school, with smaller schools being less violent. Because merging two smaller schools would result in one larger school, there could be a potential safety concern.