Hudson, Wisconsin, September 11, 2025
News Summary
The Hudson School Board is considering closing Willow River and Houlton Elementary Schools to address a significant budget shortfall. With declining enrollment and inadequate state funding, closing these schools could save the district over $3.7 million annually. Parents express concern over the emotional impact of potential closures, while the district plans a community meeting to discuss issues further. A final decision is expected in October.
Hudson, Wisconsin – The Hudson School Board is facing increasing pressure from concerned parents and teachers as it explores the possibility of closing two elementary schools, Willow River Elementary and Houlton Elementary, to mitigate a significant budget shortfall. The district has been grappling with declining enrollment and inadequate state funding, which have hampered its ability to maintain financial stability.
The projected savings from closing Willow River Elementary could exceed $2.1 million annually, whereas shutting down Houlton Elementary might save approximately $1.6 million. These substantial savings are necessary as the Hudson School District’s administration struggles to balance its budget while meeting essential operational costs.
Since 2010, state revenue caps have not aligned with inflation, leading to a decline in the district’s revenue against operational expenses, prompting the need for drastic measures. Superintendant Nick Ouellette mentioned the need for a timeline on potential closures and accompanying boundary adjustments in future discussions.
Public sentiment regarding the potential closures is notably intense, as many parents express distress over the uncertainty of their children’s school placements. One parent, frustrated with the uncertainty, highlighted that their family moved to Hudson specifically for its neighborhood schools, reinforcing the emotional impact school closures would have on families seeking community-based education.
At the same time, the Hudson Education Association has cautioned that closing two schools would have a wider impact on the district, affecting not just the students directly enrolled in the closing institutions but the community as a whole. Parents have raised concerns about the anticipated increase in class sizes and the sacrifices to the community-centric education that local schools currently provide.
To address these issues, a community meeting has been scheduled for September 22, allowing parents and community members to voice their concerns directly to the school board. A final decision regarding the closures is anticipated by the board in October.
The Hudson School District has previously passed a referendum aimed at funding, yet key district officials assert that despite this approval, budget cuts are still deemed necessary to ensure the long-term financial health of the schools.
As discussions continue, the district has asserted its commitment to support families and staff throughout any potential transitions resulting from school closures. This underscores the challenges the district faces as it attempts to navigate the budget crisis while maintaining a focus on quality of education.
Ultimately, the Hudson School Board appears to have ruled out the possibility of keeping all elementary schools operational under the current financial constraints. The ongoing deliberations reflect broader issues within public school funding that many districts across the state are confronting.
FAQ
What schools are under consideration for closure in Hudson School District?
Willow River Elementary and Houlton Elementary are the schools being considered for closure to address budget shortfalls.
How much money could be saved by closing these schools?
Closing Willow River Elementary could save over $2.1 million annually, while closing Houlton Elementary could save around $1.6 million.
Why is the Hudson School District facing budget issues?
The district is affected by declining enrollment and state revenue caps that haven’t kept pace with inflation, leading to a significant budget shortfall.
When will the final decision about school closures be made?
The Hudson School Board is expected to make a final decision regarding the closures in October.
How can parents express their concerns about the proposed school closures?
Parents can address the board at a community meeting scheduled for September 22, where they can voice their concerns directly to school officials.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Schools Under Consideration | Willow River Elementary and Houlton Elementary |
| Estimated Savings from Closures | Willow River: $2.1 million, Houlton: $1.6 million |
| Key Issues | Budget shortfall due to declining enrollment and inadequate state funding |
| Community Meeting Date | September 22 |
| Decision Timeline | Final decision expected in 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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