September 10, 2025

Hudson School Board Plans Community Meeting on Elementary Closures

News Summary

The Hudson School Board is organizing a community meeting at Hudson Middle School to discuss the possible closures of Houlton and Willow River Elementary Schools. This decision comes after the board ruled out keeping all six elementary schools due to budget constraints and declining enrollment. Community members are encouraged to participate and provide questions in advance. The board faces pressure to balance educational needs with fiscal responsibility, as the potential closures could significantly impact the district’s future.

Hudson School Board to Hold Community Meeting Amid Potential Elementary School Closures

The Hudson School Board is set to convene a community meeting on September 22 at 6 p.m. at Hudson Middle School to gather public input regarding potential closures of Houlton and Willow River Elementary Schools. This critical meeting follows the board’s August 11 decision to rule out maintaining all six elementary schools due to ongoing budget deficits.

The board is encouraging community members to submit questions in advance via an online form, ensuring that public concerns are addressed during the meeting. School Board President Bob Baumann has expressed concern about the level of public awareness concerning the financial implications of keeping both elementary schools operational, a situation that is further complicated by declining enrollment figures.

During a recent regular board meeting and annual meeting held at the high school auditorium, multiple residents shared their apprehensions about the proposed school closures. One noted leader in the community, Scott Ellingson, who serves as the President of the Hudson Education Association, urged the school board to reevaluate its earlier decision and consider the significant implications of closing two schools on the district as a whole.

Ellingson highlighted the need for potential boundary adjustments for the remaining four elementary schools, indicating that changes would be necessary to accommodate the student population if closures occur. Superintendent Nick Ouellette presented a timeline for these potential closures, with final decisions expected in October. Included in this timeline are considerations for boundary adjustments slated for February 2026 and staffing changes that may need to happen in the spring of the same year.

Despite the school district’s recent referendum approval in April, which granted funds to support education, school board members acknowledged that further cost-cutting measures are necessary to address the financial realities currently facing the school district. Parents have actively engaged in discussions about the closures, with concerns over community impact and classroom sizes being prevalent themes during public comment periods.

One concerned parent, Kristen Kessler of Houlton Elementary, provided insights into the long-term implications of the potential school closures. With her fourth child expecting to join Hudson’s Class of 2040, she emphasized the importance of monitoring the various factors that could be affected by such closures – including capacity, enrollment, and the overall quality of student learning.

The board is under substantial pressure to balance the needs of students with fiscal responsibility in light of budget constraints and decreasing enrollment. As the September 22 community meeting approaches, discussions are likely to intensify, focusing on the sustainability and future direction of educational options in Hudson.

The Hudson School District community is facing a pivotal moment, and the outcome of these discussions may determine the educational landscape for families in the area for years to come.

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Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER

NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, 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 state 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 New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.

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