In the late 1970's, declining enrollment in Raytown, Missouri, prompted the school board to employ an outside consulting firm to prepare a 10-year comprehensive demographic forecast. The enrollment forecast clearly indicated that the decline would continue. A facility utilization study found that the overall physical condition of the schools was good but several problem areas would require attention. Four alternative attendance plans were presented, along with the demographic study, to school personnel and the community. A 17-member citizens' committee appointed to review the studies recommended closing three schools and changing from junior high schools to middle schools. Meetings were held to prepare the district patrons and students for reorganization. The experiences in this school district indicate that the keys to closing schools without fighting are: (1) provide credible facts on enrollment, (2) prepare a good facility study, (3) plan for the future needs, (4) communicate these plans to the staff and to the patrons, (5) appoint a citizens' committee to review the plans, and (6) take a reasonable time to complete the reorganization. (MLF)