The Birmingham school district, not unlike many other districts in the Metropolitan Detroit Area, has been experiencing a declining student enrollment. A committee was appointed to make a thorough study of the facilities and the future needs of the school district and make recommendations. The task was divided into two phases. The first phase was to conduct a study during the 1972-73 school year to assess the adequacy of instructional space in the elementary schools. Space was found beyond the requirements needed to house the declining student population. As a result, the committee developed a set of criteria for a school closing index to be applied to each elementary building: (1) location in relation to neighboring schools, (2) adequacy of facility, and (3) factors affecting enrollment. Twelve alternatives for solving the excess classroom space problem were studied and reviewed; however, the committee recommended closing three schools. The rational for closing schools from the point of view of economics and educational efficiency and the reasons for selecting the three specific schools to be closed are presented. Other factors considered in the report are a schedule for closing, implications for redistricting and transportation, receiving schools, and disposal of closed schools. (Author/MLF)