What a breath of fresh air the USD 299 meeting in Sylvan Grove was! The room was filled with community members who wanted to hear about the possibility of a land transfer of Wilson Schools into its district. Attendees listened attentively and actively asked questions about the implications for their home district.

A civil, courteous conversation is exactly what everyone needs right now — especially the students attending Wilson Schools.

The winding road from the March vote by USD 112 which directed students in grades 7-12 from Wilson to attend school in Claflin beginning in the 2023-24 school year has been rocky. Emotions have been high, and sometimes frustration with the process boils over.

As a result of the spring vote, members of the Wilson and surrounding communities have been exploring other options for local students.

Members from Wilson approached the USD 327 board of education in Ellsworth on May 9 to present information and request the district consider a land transfer. The board adjourned into executive session to discuss the information, and took no action upon completion of that session. It never discussed the request in public or held any sessions for parent or community feedback.

How unfortunate.

In a perfect world, it would be wonderful to see more than $13 million worth of land value remain on the tax rolls for education in our county. In fact, at the August meeting, USD 327 board members heard that a number of students from Wilson are attending school in the Ellsworth district this year.

While it is disappointing the Ellsworth-Kanopolis-Geneseo board opted out of further discussion about Wilson, it was encouraging to see the community discussion in Sylvan Grove. A small school, it is already combining baseball and softball with Wilson.

Welcoming students from Wilson into the halls of Sylvan-Lucas Unified Jr./Sr. High School seems like the next logical step.

Yes, operating two elementary schools for USD 299 will be a new experience, and come with cost. But the ability for students in Wilson to remain with classmates through grade school, then expand and meet new peers who attend Lucas-Sylvan Unified Elementary in Lucas is exciting.

Moving the upper grades from Wilson also could expand opportunities for childcare in Wilson. With more space, additional daycare possibilities could come to fruition.

One reality that we cannot overlook is the staff at Wilson Junior/Senior High School. It takes incredible courage and dedication to agree to work at the school this year, knowing that in May, they will be out of a job. If the land transfer to USD 299 comes to completion, it might be possible for some of the staff to migrate with the students and teach in Sylvan Grove.

This would be the best case scenario. It would provide continuity for students and staff alike.

We applaud their efforts and energy of the advocates from Wilson who are seeking the best opportunity for their students. As parents and community members, we know it is important that students feel welcome in a school so that learning may commence.

The next two months will be important, as the Lucas-Sylvan Unified board considers the land transfer at its Sept. 12 meeting. If approved, we strongly encourage the USD 112 board to follow suit and approve the land transfer expediently.

Karen Bonar Publisher