More district consolidation predicted in Iowa

Iowa officials say a new wave of school district consolidation could alter the landscape of education in the state. The consolidation is happening in school districts that are facing budget crunches because of shrinking enrollment, skyrocketing expenses and troubles cutting back. And the cash-strapped schools aren't getting the same type of help they used to from the state. Just how many Iowa school districts will consolidate depends on whether some can dig themselves out of a financial hole. Enrollment has dropped in two-thirds of Iowa's 362 school districts. Those districts lose more than $5,000 in state aid for each student who leaves.