At a conference that focused on critical issues for small schools, the initial speaker voiced the opinion that if current trends continue, public schools may ultimately serve only the handicapped. He cited a need for schools to implement changes through community outreach, day care, senior citizens programs, retraining opportunities, work with private sectors, part-time teachers, volunteers, and alternative facilities. Addressing the issue of leadership, the next speaker suggested reading materials, analyzed teacher supply and demand, and identified the qualities of a good leader. Several sessions on cooperative activities for small school districts addressed problems of small enrollments in specialized classes and limited services and facilities. Other sessions dealt with communication technology and reported on public, cable, and instructional television and computer links. Administrative and public relations issues were addressed at sessions which discussed strike management, principal selection, cutbacks in federal programs, and publicizing of outside contributions and support and educational successes. Sessions on curriculum suggested ways to facilitate change, provided a plan for initiating computer education, and reported on development of a small high school library and use of programed instruction. Other sessions compared achievements of United States schools with those of foreign countries and provided guidance in motivating students. (MM)