News Summary

The Hudson School District Board of Education voted to close Houlton and Willow River Elementary Schools due to ongoing financial difficulties. With a 6-1 vote, the closures will take effect at the end of the 2025-26 school year. The decision is attributed to budgetary constraints and declining enrollment, with expected savings of approximately $3.3 million. The community has voiced significant concerns, stressing the emotional impact of losing these schools. The district promises to maintain communication throughout the transition process as families seek alternative educational options.

Hudson, Wisconsin

Hudson School District Board Votes to Close Houlton and Willow River Elementary Schools Amid Budget Shortfall

The Hudson School District Board of Education has voted to close Houlton and Willow River Elementary Schools following discussions on the district’s ongoing financial difficulties. The decision was made during a meeting held on Monday night, October 13, 2025, with a 6-1 vote supporting the closures.

Details of the Closure

The school closures are scheduled to take effect at the end of the 2025-26 school year. The district intends to reassign students to alternative schools within the district, with districts’ new elementary school boundaries expected to be determined by February 2026. In addition, staff reassignments and potential layoffs are planned and will be communicated to employees by March and April 2026. To prepare for the transition, the district will develop new transportation routes over the upcoming summer.

Financial Reasons Behind the Closure

The district cited budgetary constraints as the primary reason for the closures. The district has been experiencing declining enrollment and a reduction in state funding that has not kept pace with inflation since 2010. The anticipated savings from closing both schools is approximately $3.3 million. If only one of the schools were closed, the expected savings would range from $1.6 million to $2 million.

The budget issues are compounded by revenue caps that limit funding increases, further straining district resources.

Community Reactions and Opposition

During the meeting, about three dozen community members voiced their concerns, many urging the board to reconsider the closures. Community members emphasized the importance of the elementary schools to the local community, citing their role in fostering community spirit and providing crucial educational and social opportunities for students.

Parents expressed deep emotional distress over the decision, with some sharing that they have cried over the potential loss of schools their children have attended for years. Several parents indicated plans to withdraw their children from the district to pursue private or alternative educational options, citing concerns over the impact of closures on their children’s education and well-being.

Board Deliberations and Motion to Postpone

Board members debated the emotional and practical aspects of the closure for nearly 90 minutes. One member, Erin Gerlach, suggested a pause in the decision-making process to explore alternative solutions that might prevent the closures. However, her motion to table the decision to close both schools did not receive a second or a vote, and the plan to close both schools proceeded.

Additional Context and Future Planning

The district has acknowledged the significance of the elementary schools in the community and recognizes the emotional toll that closures can bring to families and staff. Stakeholders are being assured that ongoing communication will be maintained throughout the transition process to keep families informed of changes and next steps.

Community members and district officials continue to grapple with the implications, particularly concerning socioeconomic and special needs considerations. Many parents expressed intentions to seek alternative educational options, including private schools, to ensure continued access to suitable educational environments for their children.

Conclusion

The Hudson School District Board’s decision reflects the challenges faced by districts nationwide dealing with budget shortfalls amid declining student populations and constrained funding. As preparations move forward, families and community members await further updates on the transition plan and its long-term impacts on the district’s educational landscape.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Evanston Community Advocates for Dawes Elementary’s Future
Evanston School District 65 Faces Financial Crisis and Closures
District 65 School Board Faces Community Backlash Over Closures
Washington D.C. High Schools Gear Up for Football Season
Construction and Real Estate Sector Faces Converging Challenges
Severe Weather Strikes Washington, DC with Flooding Risks
Labor Shortages in D.C. Construction Due to Immigration Enforcement
Washington, D.C. Housing Market Remains Stable Amid Economic Concerns
Bus Driver Shortages Cause Disruptions and Legal Battles in Ohio and Michigan
Candidates for Olympia School Board Discuss Budget and Safety

Additional Resources

• KSTP: Hudson School Board Votes to Close 2 Elementary Schools
• CBS News: Hudson Wisconsin Elementary School Closures
• Hudson Star Observer: School Board Plans Closure Decision
• Fox 9: Hudson School Board Votes to Close Schools
• KSTP: Parents Speak Out Against School Closures
• Wikipedia: Hudson, Wisconsin
• Google Search: Hudson School District
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Wisconsin
• Google News: Hudson School Closures

Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC

The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, 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 regional 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 National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.