This study examines the responses of the residents of one suburban school district to a mail survey regarding the community's public schools in a period of rising school taxes and declining school enrollment. Specifically addressing the idea that school districts are better viewed as several communities rather than one, the study attempts to determine whether a citizen's residence in a particular elementary school attendance area affects certain responses in the questionnaire. The results of the study confirm the major question guiding the research--neighborhood communities are different in ways that should be of interest to school boards and school officials, particularly in times of declining enrollment. Residents threatened by a possible school closing were shown to have responded significantly differently from nonthreatened residents in three areas: in responding to the survey; in budget voting activity; and in choosing the community because of its quality schools. Overall, the study seems to suggest that a school community mail survey--with proper planning and a realistic timeline--can provide school districts with valuable insights into the dynamics of their citizenry. (Author)