Theses and Dissertations from DePaul University

Date of Award

Spring 2026

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

College

College of Education

First Advisor

Amira Proweller

Abstract

Urban public school districts across the United States continue to face declining enrollment, financial instability, and persistent racial and socioeconomic inequities. In response, school closures have often been used as a primary strategy to address these challenges. This qualitative case study examines school mergers as a potential alternative to closures by exploring the lived experiences of school professionals during the merger of two urban elementary schools in the Midwest. Grounded in Critical Race Theory and Transformative Leadership Theory, this study investigates how educators experienced the merger process from planning through implementation, the challenges and supports encountered, and the ways relationships, school culture, and professional practice were affected.   Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with school professionals who were directly involved in the merger. Using thematic analysis, several key themes emerged, including the influence of compressed timelines on implementation, the impact of leadership instability on trust and clarity, the complexity of integrating distinct school cultures, and the central role of relationships in shaping educators’ experiences. Participants described significant challenges, such as miscommunication, cultural tensions, and emotional strain, and supports, including collaborative structures, shared professional learning, and informal relationship-building efforts.   Findings suggest that while school mergers present challenges, they offer a more stable and community-centered alternative to closures when supported by intentional planning, consistent leadership, and equity-focused decision-making. This study contributes to the limited body of research on school mergers and provides practical insights for district leaders and policymakers considering strategies to address declining enrollment while minimizing disruption to school communities.   Keywords: school mergers, critical race theory, transformative leadership theory

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