Nine chapters and an introduction discuss the issues surrounding school closures and declining enrollment and suggest practical solutions. Each chapter examines a particular facet of the problem, presents brief case studies of successful experiences, and mentions sources for further information. The topics covered include: (1) demographic changes and enrollment projections; (2) the need for prior planning; (3) school board policy-making on district goals, community involvement, and eleven other issues; (4) improvement of communications and public relations; (5) the options of leasing, selling, demolishing, or finding alternative uses for closed school facilities; (6) legal and psychological problems involved in layoffs and reductions in force; (7) program or curriculum change to prevent erosion of educational quality; (8) financial problems associated with rising costs and declining enrollment; and (9) the special problems involved in closing high schools. (RW)