Hudson, September 10, 2025
News Summary
The Hudson School Board will hold a key community meeting at Hudson Middle School to address the possible closures of Houlton and Willow River Elementary Schools. Parents, teachers, and residents are encouraged to voice their concerns and submit questions as the board navigates ongoing budget deficits. With final decisions expected in October, the implications of these closures on local communities are being heavily discussed by residents and school officials alike.
Hudson – The Hudson School Board is set to hold a crucial community meeting on September 22 at 6 p.m. at Hudson Middle School. The meeting will serve as an opportunity for parents, teachers, and residents to voice their opinions regarding the potential closures of Houlton and Willow River Elementary Schools.
The board’s decision follows a ruling made on August 11, where they determined that maintaining all six elementary schools in the district was not fiscally viable due to ongoing budget deficits. Prior to making a final decision on which, if any, of the schools to close, the board is encouraging community members to submit questions through an online form to facilitate discussions during the meeting.
Public Concerns and Feedback
Scott Ellingson, the President of the Hudson Education Association, has raised alarms about the ripple effects that closing two of the elementary schools would have throughout the district. He acknowledges the effort the school administration and board have exercised in maintaining transparency in their discussions regarding the future of the schools, but insists that both Houlton and Willow River should remain open.
Ellingson also indicated that if closures proceed, boundary adjustments for the remaining four elementary schools would need to be considered to accommodate the changes effectively.
Timelines and Future Considerations
Superintendent Nick Ouellette has outlined a tentative timeline indicating that a final resolution on the school closures is expected in October. The school board anticipates that further boundary adjustments will be necessary, with tentative plans to implement those changes by February 2026, as well as making staffing decisions in the spring of the same year.
Despite a referendum approved by voters in April, which aimed to provide additional financial support for the district, school board members are emphasizing that significant cost-cutting measures will still be required to maintain operations. The financial discussions revolve around two primary factors: maintaining both Houlton and Willow River Elementary Schools and accommodating the declining enrollments within the district.
Community Impact
Parents such as Kristen Kessler, who has children enrolled at Houlton Elementary, shared personal stories reiterating the potential long-term implications of school closures. Kessler’s fourth child is projected to join Hudson’s Class of 2040, underscoring how these decisions transcend short-term budgeting and will impact future generations.
Kessler advocated for a conservative approach in deciding school closures, highlighting the importance of continuously monitoring the school environment, including factors such as capacity, enrollment, and the quality of student learning.
The Hudson School Board is now under pressure to strike a balance between the pressing needs of students and the painful realities associated with financial limitations and dropping enrollment figures.
Key Details
- Meeting Date: September 22, 6 p.m.
- Location: Hudson Middle School
- Decision Timeline: Final decision expected in October
- Boundary Adjustments: Planned for February 2026
- Staffing Decisions: Anticipated in spring 2026
FAQ Section
What are the schools under consideration for closure?
The Hudson School Board is considering the closure of Houlton and Willow River Elementary Schools.
When is the community meeting scheduled?
The community meeting will be held on September 22 at 6 p.m. at Hudson Middle School.
When will the final decision be made regarding the school closures?
The school board expects to make a final decision in October regarding the potential closures.
What prompted the discussion of school closures?
Ongoing budget deficits and declining enrollment have led the school board to consider the potential closure of two elementary schools.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Meeting Date | September 22, 2023 |
| Location | Hudson Middle School |
| Decision Timeline | Final decision in October |
| Boundary Adjustments | Expected by February 2026 |
| Staffing Considerations | Spring 2026 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New York State’s Budget Plans: Cellphone Ban and Tax Cuts
Additional Resources
- Hudson Star Observer: School Closure Meeting
- Wikipedia: Hudson, Wisconsin
- Hudson Star Observer: Gov. Tony Evers’ Visit
- Google Search: Hudson School District closures
- Long Beach Post: Hudson Elementary Closure
- Google Scholar: Hudson School closures
- News 12: Hudson Valley Schools Closure
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Closure
- Times Union: School Schedule Modifications
- Google News: Hudson School District
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