Is school consolidation the best way to conserve resources and improve education? William D. Duncombe, professor of public administration at the Maxwell School, Syracuse University, will speak on "School Consolidation, Service Collaboration and Alternative Strategies for Improving School District Efficiency in an Age of Scarcity" on Thursday, Oct. 28 at 5 p.m. in Memorial Lounge, Waterman Building.

The talk, sponsored by the Burack President's Distinguished Lecture Series, is free and open to the public, and a reception will immediately follow.

Duncombe, the associate director of Syracuse's Education Finance and Accountability Program, will discuss what research has been conducted on the impact of consolidation on school district efficiency and property values, as well as what challenges experts face when evaluating the effectiveness of this strategy. His talk will also highlight several alternatives to consolidation that school districts may pursue.

Information: (802) 656-2936.