The Menomonie (Wisconsin) School has voted to close one of its elementary schools.
WEAU-TV reports that the 6-3 board vote to shutter Downsville Elementary in Downsville came after discussion of anticipated enrollment declines and staffing shortages at the school.
“This is not something that any of us want to do,” said Joe Zydowsky, the district administrator for the School District of the Menomonie Area. “But when we look at the students at Downsville, when we look at making sure that they have a high-quality education, this was the option that needed to be recommended.”
Less than 10 kindergarten students have enrolled for the 2025-2026 school year. In addition, most of the teaching staff is leaving, Zydowsky said, either through retirements, departures for personal reasons, or transfers to other schools.
“We would have had to restaff almost the entire building,” he said.
Zydowsky said no staff will be laid off as a result of the closure. Those staying in the district will be able to move into other roles.
The future of the Downsville Elementary building is up in the air as well.
