UPDATE: The Menomonie School Board voted 6-3 Monday to close the Downsville Elementary School.
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MENOMONIE (WQOW) – The Menomonie School Board will be making an important decision about the future of Downsville Elementary, located in the southern part of the state.
The Menomonie School Board will be making an important decision about the future of Downsville Elementary, located in the southern part of the state.
District Administrator Dr. Joe Zydowsky said discussions for closing the school have been happening for years. He said declining enrollment numbers over the past decade are the main reason a proposal to close the building is up for a vote.
“The school used to have over 110 students and we have seen declining enrollment over the years. But when we look at next year we’re expecting around 70 students, a kindergarten class of five or fewer,” said Zydowsky.
He said the district has identified a plan to help the displaced staff and students. Kids currently attending Downsville will be sent to one of three Menomonie elementary schools: River Heights, Oaklawn or Knapp. He added families will have the option to submit an expedited request for a preferred school.
For staff, Zydowsky said there will not be any layoffs and they will have a job at a different school.
The meeting is at 5:45 p.m. and will also be live streamed. The livestream can be found here. 18 News will have coverage of this developing story.
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