The election is over. The votes are tallied. The effort to dissolve USD 112 did not pass. As expected, the vote was heavily split across county lines.

Now, it’s time to move forward. Unfortunately, an election doesn’t mean the slate is wiped clean. Words were spoken, issues are still unresolved.

It’s time to start making attempts to resolve issues. It’s time to not just listen, but hear what those on the opposite side are saying.

Was the victorious “United USD 112 Save Our District” fully honest and transparent in its pre-election message? No.

Was the defeated “Vote Yes USD 112” group fully honest and transparent in its pre-election message? Again, no.

Both sides spun their agenda for the election. But the election is over. It’s time to find a path forward for rural education.

The Central Plains USD 112 Board of Education made the right decision during its July 10 meeting when it to utilize Bushton facilities for junior high school sports like football and volleyball.

The board needs to continue to build bridges to all communities within its five-county boarders.

One simple olive branch that could be extended is to resume meetings in all locations with attendance centers throughout the district. This would give the board and administration the opportunity to be more connected with all constituents in the district. With such a large geographic area, it’s certainly going to be a balancing act, but we hope the board can move forward with positivity. Karen Bonar Publisher