The results of a survey of 55 Illinois school districts which had experienced declining enrollment and surplus school space are reported in this paper. All 55 districts had closed at least one school as a result of enrollment decline, resulting in a total of 89 school closures. The two most important criteria for selecting the schools to be closed were changes in the school age population in the area served by the school and the flexibility of the building with respect to the type of instructional program. Other important factors were the structural condition and age of the building and maintenance costs. The school district respondents emphasized the need for careful planning and research prior to making the decision to close a school. They also noted the necessity of allowing citizens to participate in the decision making process. (Author/DS)