Board approves closure of Atoll Elementary, rejects Hereford closure after public outcry

The Mead School District board voted to close Atoll Elementary for the 2026–27 school year while rejecting a parallel resolution to close Hereford. The Atoll closure passed on a roll-call vote after extended discussion about expected savings, bus routing and statutory deadlines; the Hereford resolution failed.

Superintendent Wayne Wormstead told the board that closing Atoll and enrolling its 11 students at Central Mead County School (CMCS) would create recurring savings — administration estimated roughly $128,000 in net savings if students transfer, and up to about $256,000 if all associated factors are realized. The superintendent said 10 of 11 Atoll students already live closer to the CMCS bus route, which reduces the district’s need to add daily mileage or a new route.

Several board members expressed concern about the permanence of closure decisions under state statute (a closed attendance center is closed for the following school year and reopening is constrained by timing and state approvals). Community members and rural residents urged the board to postpone closures, noting travel distance, local economic effects and loss of small-school advantages. A motion to table and later a motion to reconsider Atoll were both brought up in the meeting’s procedural sequence; the board ultimately approved closing Atoll and declined to close Hereford after separate votes.

Board and administrative follow-up will include transition planning for students and staff, bus routing logistics, and communications to families. The superintendent noted the district will assist families and staff with transitions and that any realized savings depend on actual student enrollment choices next year.