Optimal Prioritization Model for School Closure Decisions Considering Educational Accessibility in Shrinking Regions

Solhee Kim, Taegon Kim and Jeongbae Jeon ()
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Solhee Kim: Department of Smart Farm, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, Joenbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Republic of Korea
Taegon Kim: Department of Smart Farm, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, Joenbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Republic of Korea
Jeongbae Jeon: Spatial Information Research Institute, Korea Land and Geospatial Informatix Corporation, Jeonju 55365, Republic of Korea

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 9, 1-16

Abstract: The consolidation and closure of small schools in rural areas has not only worsened the educational environment but also risked accelerating the socioeconomic decline of rural communities. This study examines how elementary school closures affect educational accessibility and seeks to optimize closure prioritization through a fairness-oriented approach. An optimal prioritization model, developed using the p-median algorithm, was applied to simulate and assess changes in commuting conditions and spatial equity. Using a case study of a South Korean county, we demonstrate the model’s ability to minimize disparities in urban and rural commuting environments while ensuring a balanced and fair decision-making process for school closures. This approach highlights a viable pathway to equitable educational infrastructure planning in regions facing demographic decline.

Keywords: small schools; consolidation; closure; accessibility; education fairness; decision-making model (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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