Hudson School Board Deliberates Elementary School Closures

News Summary

The Hudson School Board met to discuss the possible closure of Houlton and Willow River Elementary schools amid budget concerns. Community input is being sought before a final decision is made in October. Members expressed the impact of declining enrollment and financial strain while highlighting the importance of maintaining neighborhood schools. Concerns over the future of educational opportunities and community ties were raised as the board assesses potential savings from the closures.

Hudson – The Hudson School Board did not reach a decision regarding the potential closure of Houlton Elementary and Willow River Elementary schools during a meeting on September 29. This comes after the board’s previous decision on August 11 to close at least one of the two elementary schools, revealing the district’s growing budget challenges.

As the district grapples with financial shortfalls, board members emphasized the importance of community input, planning additional meetings to allow for public comments. A deadline for reaching a final decision on the closures is set for October, with the board scheduled to meet again on October 13.

Factors under consideration for the closures include declining enrollment, budgetary constraints, and housing data. Board member Maria Rudie highlighted the importance of these elements in determining the course of action. Furthermore, Rudie reflected on her personal experience with her children transitioning schools during a prior boundary change, which ultimately had a positive outcome.

Another board member, Megan Rozowski, a parent of children enrolled in both schools, expressed concern over the financial realities facing the district, indicating that closure might seem inevitable based on current financial data. Over the past few years, the district has transferred around $8 million from its general education fund to support the special education fund due to ongoing financial challenges. Rozowski also pointed out that inadequate state funding for special education over the past 15 years has contributed significantly to the district’s current situation.

Molly Powers, a member of the board, acknowledged that discussions regarding school closures have been distressing for community members but emphasized that these changes could create opportunities for educational improvement and growth.

Should the board decide to close both Houlton and Willow River Elementary schools, the district estimates potential savings of $3.3 million. If only Houlton is closed, savings are calculated at $1.5 million, while closure of Willow River could yield $2 million in savings. Critics of the proposed closures contend that the district’s financial assessments do not fully account for the potential loss of families and students that might occur as a result of such drastic actions.

Superintendent Nick Ouellette discussed the possibility of responding to increased enrollment in the future, stating that options exist to expand school facilities without necessitating voter approval. However, he noted that current enrollment data does not highlight an immediate need for such actions.

A recent community meeting on the proposed closures drew significant concern from parents, with some voicing trust issues regarding the school board’s decision-making process. Community members, including local parents, expressed the importance of maintaining neighborhood schools and the community ties that come with them. The sentiment emphasized that schools are vital components of the community fabric.

Houlton Elementary, regarded as a top-performing school within the district, has historically maintained stable enrollment figures, with parents advocating for its retention due to its performance record. The district’s ongoing financial dilemmas include a decline in overall student enrollment and insufficient state funding to mitigate inflationary pressures that have persisted since 2010.

With the Hudson School Board facing mounting pressure to make an informed decision, upcoming meetings are poised to provide further clarity on the future of Houlton and Willow River Elementary schools as the October deadline approaches.

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Additional Resources

• Hudson Star Observer: School Board Discussion
• KSTP: Parents Speak Out
• Hudson Star Observer: District Update
• Fox 9: Houlton Elementary Parents React
• Hudson Star Observer: Community Meeting on Closures