Hudson, WI, October 12, 2025
News Summary
The Hudson School Board is evaluating the potential closure of Houlton and Willow River Elementary Schools due to financial difficulties. A meeting is scheduled to discuss these options, with the community expressing strong opposition to the proposals. The district aims to finalize decisions by October, amid concerns over the impact of school closures on local families and the long-term financial stability of the district.
Hudson, WI – The Hudson School Board is set to meet on Monday at 6 p.m. in the high school auditorium to discuss possible closures of Houlton and Willow River Elementary Schools amid ongoing budget challenges. Superintendent Nick Ouellette has confirmed that the board is considering proposals that could result in the closure of one or both schools. This comes after an earlier vote on August 11, where the board decided to explore closing at least one school in response to significant financial pressures.
The agenda for the upcoming meeting includes “Long-term facility planning and Possible School Closure.” The district estimates that closing both Houlton and Willow River could save approximately $3.3 million. Specifically, shutting down Houlton may result in savings of around $1.5 million, while Willow River’s closure could save about $2 million. However, critics within the community have argued that these financial projections do not take into account the potential loss of families moving away from the district if schools are closed, nor the impact that staff reductions would have on operations.
Opposition to the proposed school closures is growing, with the Town of St. Joseph, where Houlton Elementary is located, expressing its strong disapproval. Officials in the town highlighted that Houlton has been an integral component of the community for over 75 years, providing quality education to local children.
Parents and community stakeholders have also voiced their concerns regarding the imminent closures, underlining the deep neighborhood connections that characterize the Willow River area. Many have emphasized the importance of maintaining both schools for the benefit of their communities and the continuity of education. School Board member Molly Powers noted that the community’s reactions reflect a deep sense of distress, and that the board must balance the serious nature of these conversations with the potential benefits for the district.
The Hudson School District is confronting its financial dilemma due to a decline in student enrollment and state revenue limits, which have not kept pace with inflation since 2010. In response to these challenges, the district has already implemented staffing cuts and continues to anticipate significant financial deficits that may hinder its ability to meet basic operational costs in the foreseeable future.
Many parents and community members have voiced a desire for more time and information to explore all available options before a final decision is made on the closures. The Hudson School Board aims to finalize decisions regarding school closures by October, but the outcome remains uncertain as the community grapples with the potential changes.
In recent discussions among board members, personal experiences of school transitions were shared, illuminating the emotional challenges that families face when considering such significant changes to their children’s education paths.
FAQ
What is the current status of Houlton and Willow River Elementary Schools?
The Hudson School Board is considering the closure of one or both schools due to budget constraints, with a decision expected by October.
What are the financial implications of closing the schools?
Closing both schools could save the district approximately $3.3 million. Houlton’s closure is estimated to save $1.5 million, while Willow River’s closure may save $2 million.
Why are community members opposed to the closures?
Community members are concerned about the impact on neighborhood ties, potential loss of families due to closures, and the historical importance of Houlton as a central part of the community for over 75 years.
What challenges is the Hudson School District facing?
The district is dealing with declining enrollment and state funding that has not kept pace with rising costs, leading to an ongoing financial shortfall and previous staffing cuts.
Key Features of the School Closure Situation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Potential Closures | Houlton and Willow River Elementary Schools |
| Estimated Savings | About $3.3 million for both schools, $1.5 million for Houlton, and $2 million for Willow River |
| Community Response | Strong opposition from parents and local officials due to historical significance and connection to the community |
| Financial Challenges | Declining enrollment and state revenue limits not keeping pace with inflation |
| Final Decision Timeline | Expected by October |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Phoenix Braces for Heavy Rainfall and Flooding Risks
Shooting Incident Sparks Tension in Downtown Phoenix
Tragic Construction Site Incident Claims Life of Worker
Community Voices Concerns Over School Closures in Evanston
Grapevine ISD Considers Closing Elementary Schools Amid Enrollment Decline
Former Superintendent Indicted on Multiple Federal Charges
Three Women Hospitalized After Multivehicle Crash in Phoenix
Maricopa County Reports Serious Health Code Violations in Restaurants
Phoenix Weather Prepared for Rainfall from Hurricane Priscilla
Arizona Schools Face Crisis Amid Funding Shortfalls
Additional Resources
- Hudson Star Observer: Hudson School Board Plans to Make Closure Decision
- Fox 9: Houlton Elementary Parents Speak Out Against Closure
- Hudson Star Observer: School Board Updates on Closures
- CBS News: Elementary School in Danger of Closing
- Hudson Star Observer: School Board Votes on Closures
- Wikipedia: Hudson, Wisconsin
- Google Search: Hudson School District
- Google Scholar: Hudson School District Closure
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hudson School District
- Google News: Hudson School Closures
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
