State of the Hudson Schools

Message from the Board of Education - December 2025

Difficult Decision in the Best Interest of Students, Families, Staff, and Taxpayers

The decision to close Willow River and Houlton Elementary Schools was among the most difficult made by the Board of Education. The Board understands the connection families, staff, and the community have with each of these schools.

Over the past three years, the Board has engaged the community through public meetings, shared information in quarterly newsletters, and had personal conversations about the School District’s budget challenges amid declining student enrollment. The Board listened to people’s concerns and weighed the options. Ultimately, the Board of Education’s decision was in the best interest of students, families, staff, and taxpayers. 

Declining Enrollment

The School District receives funding based on a per-student (pupil) formula. Since the District’s peak enrollment, K-5 students have declined by twenty-six percent. There are currently 1,935 K-5 students across six elementary schools. The School District’s six elementary schools have a capacity to serve 2,940 students. Operating the elementary schools at 66% capacity is neither efficient nor financially sustainable. 

Budget Challenges

The state’s per-student revenue cap limits the funding available to districts. For the past 15 years, the state’s imposed revenue cap has not kept up with inflation. The Board of Education has advocated for changes to the state’s funding model. However, there are no anticipated changes, and the School District must plan based on these current constraints. When school districts need more funding, the only option is to ask the community to approve an operational referendum.

Two of the past three operational referendums put forward by the School District have failed. The community has spoken loudly; they expect fiscal responsibility. The $5 million nonrecurring operational referendum passed in April of 2025 by only six votes. This operational referendum will expire in 2031-2032. Without significant spending reductions, the School District faces a projected shortfall of more than $10 million in 2032-2033. 

The School District has made budget cuts over the past several years, and the Board will continue to look for ways to reduce costs without compromising student learning.

Facilities and Capacity

The four remaining elementary schools have the capacity to serve 2,205 K-5 students. There will also be space for the 4K program. With current enrollments, the elementary schools would operate at 88% capacity, leaving room for approximately 270 additional students within the Board of Education’s established class size guidelines. 

The Board of Education is committed to educational excellence for all students. Consolidating resources ensures the School District can maintain strong programs, high-quality instruction, and a consistent learning experience for every child.