Hudson, WI, October 12, 2025
News Summary
The Hudson School Board will meet to discuss the potential closure of Houlton and Willow River Elementary Schools due to ongoing budget issues. A decision is anticipated by October, with community members largely opposing the closures due to concerns over emotional impacts and community ties. Financial estimates suggest significant savings from the closures, but skepticism remains regarding the implications for families and staff.
Hudson, WI – The Hudson School Board is set to make a critical decision on Monday regarding the potential closure of Houlton and Willow River Elementary Schools, as part of efforts to address an ongoing budget crisis. The meeting, scheduled for 6 p.m. in the high school auditorium, will focus on “Long-term facility planning and Possible School Closure” as key agenda items.
Superintendent Nick Ouellette has confirmed that closing one or both of the elementary schools is under consideration. The decision follows a previous board vote on August 11, which indicated the intention to close at least one school. However, feedback from the community has largely been negative, with many opposing the closures.
Financial estimates indicate significant savings from these closures. The Hudson School District anticipates savings of approximately $3.3 million if both schools are closed — $1.5 million for Houlton alone and $2 million for Willow River alone. Yet, some community members have expressed skepticism regarding these figures, arguing that the district has not sufficiently considered the impact of families potentially leaving the area and possible staff reductions that would accompany school closures.
The Town of St. Joseph, home to Houlton Elementary, has publicly stated its opposition to the closure, highlighting the school’s importance to the community for over 75 years and its role in delivering quality education. Parents have voiced similar concerns, emphasizing the strong community ties associated with Willow River Elementary and the need for both schools to remain operational.
Board member Molly Powers acknowledged the emotional distress expressed by the community and noted that the board is trying to navigate a complex situation that may also include potential benefits. This is part of a broader context in which the Hudson School District is grappling with financial challenges stemming from declining enrollment and state revenue limits, which have not kept pace with inflation since 2010.
In light of these financial challenges, the district has already implemented staffing cuts and anticipates continued financial shortfalls that threaten basic operational costs. Given the community’s request for more information and time before a definitive decision is made, the school board expects to finalize its decision on the closures by October.
In the lead-up to the meeting, school board members have shared personal anecdotes about their experiences with school transitions, emphasizing the emotional toll potential changes may have on families within the community.
FAQs
What is the Hudson School Board considering?
The board is considering closing Houlton and Willow River Elementary Schools to address a budget crisis.
When will the decision be made?
A decision is expected to be finalized by October after the upcoming meeting.
How much money could the school closures save?
Closing both schools could save approximately $3.3 million, with Houlton contributing $1.5 million and Willow River $2 million.
Why are community members opposed to the closures?
Concerns include the emotional impact on families, the potential loss of community ties, and skepticism about the financial estimates provided by the district.
What factors have contributed to the district’s budget challenges?
Declining enrollment and state revenue limits that have not aligned with inflation since 2010 are significant contributors to the district’s financial difficulties.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Proposed Action | Closure of Houlton and Willow River Elementary Schools |
| Meeting Date | Monday at 6 p.m. |
| Estimated Cost Savings | Approximately $3.3 million total |
| Community Sentiment | Largely opposing school closures |
| Factors Contributing to Budget Crisis | Declining enrollment and outdated state revenue limits |
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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
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