Hudson School District Votes to Close Elementary Schools

News Summary

The Hudson School District Board has made the difficult decision to close Houlton and Willow River Elementary Schools due to significant budget shortfalls and declining enrollment. The vote was 6-1 in favor of the closures, which are set to take effect at the end of the school year. This decision has sparked emotional responses from parents and community members, many of whom are now seeking alternative educational options for their children. The board is aware of the deep impact this will have on families and commits to communicating throughout the transition.

Hudson, Wisconsin – The Hudson School District Board has voted to close Houlton and Willow River Elementary Schools, a decision that has stirred significant emotions within the community. During a meeting held on October 13, 2025, the board voted 6-1 in favor of the closures, which are set to take effect at the end of the 2025-26 school year. This decision comes as the district grapples with a substantial budget shortfall, largely attributed to declining enrollment and inadequate state funding that has failed to keep pace with inflation.

The closures are anticipated to save the district approximately $3.3 million. In contrast, the closure of just one school would have generated savings between $1.6 million and $2 million. Board member Megan Rozowski expressed that without the necessary funding, the district would be unable to educate its students effectively. The decision to close both schools was met with emotional resistance as many parents and community members voiced their concerns during the meeting, emphasizing the vital role these institutions play in their community.

Approximately three dozen community members shared their thoughts before the board made its decision, urging the board to reconsider. Many parents expressed heartbreak over the situation, sharing how integral the schools are to their children and the community. The emotional toll of the closures was evident as the board members discussed the impacts for nearly 90 minutes. While some members recognized the practical necessity of the closures, they also acknowledged the difficult emotional consequences for families involved.

Amid the concerns raised, board member Erin Gerlach proposed pausing the decision to explore alternatives to closing both schools. However, her motion did not receive a second or a vote, allowing the board’s decision to move forward as planned. Many parents indicated plans to withdraw their children from the district, seeking alternative educational options, including private schooling. The board noted the implications of the closures, particularly for students with special needs, and assured the community of ongoing communication throughout the transition.

The economic situation impacting the Hudson School District is not a recent development. The district has faced budget challenges due to revenue caps that have not kept pace with inflation since 2010. These constraints have made sustaining elementary education through local schools increasingly difficult. The board’s decision reflects these broader financial realities and the need to stabilize the district’s budget in the face of ongoing enrollment declines.

As the district transitions to new elementary school boundaries, these are expected to be established by February 2026. Staff reassignments or potential layoffs related to the closures will be communicated to the affected personnel in March and April 2026. Additionally, new transportation routes will be developed over the summer into the 2026-27 school year as part of the adjustments necessitated by the school closures.

The Hudson School District Board emphasized their understanding of the significance of Houlton and Willow River Elementary Schools to the community, recognizing that these institutions hold a cherished place in the hearts of many families. The board remains committed to navigating this transition with utmost care and consideration for the community they serve.

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Additional Resources

• KSTP: Hudson School Board Votes to Close 2 Elementary Schools
• CBS News: Hudson Wisconsin Elementary School Closures
• Hudson Star Observer: School Board Plans Closure Decision
• Fox 9: Hudson School Board Votes to Close Schools
• KSTP: Parents Speak Out Against School Closures
• Wikipedia: Hudson, Wisconsin
• Google Search: Hudson School District
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Wisconsin
• Google News: Hudson School Closures