On the same night, two school boards with education centers in Ellsworth County embarked upon two very different journeys.

While the Ellsworth-Kanopolis-Geneseo USD 327 Board of Education began its hiring process Jan. 12 for a new superintendent, in Claflin, the Central Plains USD 112 Board of Education was having a very different discussion: one about closing a school and transferring land to another district.

Both involve change. Big change. The cliche “change is never easy” feels easy to throw out right now. The changes, however, elicit a very different set of emotions.

Patrons of USD 327 could feel excitement for the future and a new superintendent. Ken Cravens is a familiar face. There is comfort in a known commodity taking the helm of a district. The “get to know you” (as a person) process will be shorter. The “get to know you” (as a superintendent) process can begin once he hits the ground running July 1.

The USD 327 board has done its job, and now as a community, our job is to welcome our new superintendent and help support and grow his vision for education in the county.

The feelings of patrons from USD 112 could be more complex. Perhaps parents of students at Central Plains Elementary School in Holyrood are excited to see the school continue to grow. To see a new modular building be added. To improve education for our young students. While some elementary parents are happy, those in Wilson could be feeling the exact opposite.

Residents of Wilson and surrounding communities have relentlessly advocated for a local school, and on Jan. 12, the USD 112 BOE opted to begin the discussion about the future of Wilson Elementary School. Should it remain open? Is it time to close?

This conversation is further complicated by the additional conversation regarding a potential land transfer. Residents in the Wilson area worked tirelessly toward a land transfer in the past, with no success. To now have the land transfer on the table, and a few districts excited about the possibility, is a dream come true. Except it could involve the closure of the town’s elementary school.

While both USD 327 and USD 112 have very different changes in the future, some universal truths remain: I wish to encourage all patrons to approach the situation with open minds and open hearts. Are the solutions each board will land on exactly what everyone wanted? Likely not. But we can walk the path each board is setting with respect, dignity and integrity.

I encourage us all to bring these characteristics to the table. Our actions educate our own children about how we face decisions we may or may not like.

Karen Bonar Publisher