Hudson board votes to close Holton and Willow elementary schools after extended public comment

HUDSON, Wis. — The Hudson School District Board of Education voted Tuesday to close two neighborhood elementary schools — Holton and Willow — approving “option 2” after extended public comment and a lengthy board discussion about falling enrollment and future budget risks.

The motion to adopt option 2 — to close Holton and Willow elementary schools — was made by Maria (board member) and seconded by Brian (board member). On a roll call vote the board recorded: Dahl, aye; Garza, aye; Gerlach, no; Powers, aye; Rozowski, aye; Rudy, aye; Bauman, aye. The motion carried, 6–1.

The board and administration said the decision responds to continuing enrollment decline and projected budget shortfalls. Board member Megan presented updated district financial projections showing growing deficits under current assumptions; those projections, she said, indicate the district would face a multi‑million dollar shortfall by the 2029–30 school year if no structural changes are made. The district’s financial materials presented to the board cite roughly $3.7 million in estimated annual…