Hudson, September 11, 2025
News Summary
The Hudson School District is evaluating the potential closure of Willow River Elementary and Houlton Elementary due to budget shortages. The decision comes after considerable community input regarding declining enrollment and insufficient funding. The board will reach a final verdict in October, with significant implications for the district’s educational landscape. Parents are concerned about the ramifications for their children and the community’s educational resources. A community meeting is scheduled for September to gather further feedback.
Hudson School District Faces Possible Closures of Two Elementary Schools
The Hudson School District is contemplating the closure of two elementary schools, Willow River Elementary and Houlton Elementary, amid ongoing budget shortages that have led to increasing concern among parents and educators. The upcoming decision follows significant discussions and feedback from the community, with a final verdict expected from the Hudson School Board in October.
Officials highlight that the potential closure of Willow River could result in annual savings exceeding $2.1 million, while shutting down Houlton Elementary might save around $1.6 million. These measures are part of a broader response to declining enrollment numbers and insufficient state educational funding that has failed to keep pace with inflation.
Parents have voiced their worries regarding these potential changes. John Dolan, a parent of two students attending Houlton Elementary, articulated frustration over the uncertainty of school placements for his children, stating that the family relocated to Hudson specifically for its neighborhood schools. Addison Filiatreaux, who has children enrolled at Willow River, expressed her concern for the school’s community atmosphere and the commitment of its staff.
District’s Financial Context
The Hudson School District has struggled with budgetary constraints for several years, particularly since state revenue caps implemented in 2010 have not matched inflationary pressures, resulting in declining operational funds. The district administration has acknowledged the difficulty of making decisions regarding school closures while committing to support families and staff amidst any transitions if such closures occur.
Scott Ellingson, a representative from the Hudson Education Association, indicated that the effects of closing the two elementary schools would reverberate across the entire district, not just the immediate school communities. Concerned parents have raised issues regarding potential increases in class sizes and the long-term implications for community-based education.
Meeting and Decision Timeline
A community meeting is scheduled for September 22, allowing parents and community members to voice their opinions directly to the school board. Board members have already suggested that keeping all six elementary schools operational under current financial constraints is not feasible, which has positioned the district at a critical juncture regarding future school boundaries and operational strategies.
Superintendent Nick Ouellette has indicated that the district is considering a timeline for closures and potential boundary adjustments to meet budgetary needs. In previous public comments, many parents have cautioned against the far-reaching consequences of such closures, urging the school board to monitor changing demographic trends before making any final decisions. Parents remain committed to advocating for their children’s education and the retention of the community’s educational resources.
Despite the district’s recent passage of a referendum aimed at improving funding, board members maintain that significant budget cuts are still required to ensure fiscal stability in the coming years.
Conclusion
The Hudson School District’s decision on the possible closures of Willow River Elementary and Houlton Elementary holds significant implications for the community. As discussions continue, parents and educators alike await the outcome, hoping for a solution that maintains quality education for all students.
FAQ
Why is the Hudson School District considering closing two elementary schools?
The district faces budget shortages due to declining enrollment and insufficient state funding that has not kept pace with inflation.
Which schools are under consideration for closure?
Willow River Elementary and Houlton Elementary are the two schools being considered for closure.
When can parents provide feedback to the school board?
Parents can share their feedback at a community meeting scheduled for September 22.
When will the final decision regarding school closures be made?
The Hudson School Board is expected to make a final decision regarding school closures in October.
Key Features of the Possible School Closures
| Feature | Willow River Elementary | Houlton Elementary |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated Savings | $2.1 million annually | $1.6 million annually |
| Current Enrollment Impact | Declining | Declining |
| Parent Concerns | Community feel, staff care | Uncertainty in school placement |
| Community Meeting Date | September 22 | |
| Final Decision Expected | October | |
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Additional Resources
- KSTP News: Parents in Hudson Speak Out Against Possible School Closures
- Hudson Star Observer: Hudson School District to Host Meeting on School Closure Options
- NJ.com: Hudson County School Closures Due to Ice Storm
- Hudson Star Observer: Hudson School Board Votes to Close at Least One Elementary School
- Wikipedia: Hudson, Wisconsin
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