This paper examines the phenomenon of declining school enrollments from the viewpoint of the school district superintendent and discusses what steps the superintendent should take to cope with the problem. The author devotes much of his attention to the process of closing schools; he outlines specific strategies the board of education and superintendent can employ to help control community conflict, maintain the credibility of the board and district administration, and develop a community consensus. In addition, the author also points out the varied administrative ramifications of a school closure and offers a detailed outline of potential problems the superintendent must confront in order to successfully implement a school consolidation plan. (JG)