At present, there are no viable models of organizations in decline; all sociological and economic theories deal with growing, expanding organizations. However, as the statistical data from Illinois school districts indicate, declining enrollment and reduction in force are pressing problems. This statistical analysis contains data on population, tax bases, property appraisal, salary, pupil/teacher ratios, teacher/administrator ratios, and community types. These variables were correlated to determine the trends and patterns in enrollment decline in Illinois. Data from Chicago were not included. The authors recommend changes in Title I weighting to relieve urban districts undergoing enrollment decline and changes in student clientele. They assert that reductions in administrative staff should keep pace with both enrollment decline and teacher reduction. The teacher/administrator ratios discovered in this study could perhaps be used as guidelines for reduction in force. They suggest that the state provide financial assistance to districts hardest hit by declining enrollment and reduction in force. (DS)