In a surprising turn of events during the Feb.

13 USD 112 Central Plains Board of Education meeting, the board gave consent (by consensus, not by actual vote) for Wilson Schools to explore land transfer options.

Also on Feb. 13, Wilson Mayor Mike Peschka and Wilson patron Sarah Dlabal presented to the USD 327 Ellsworth-Kanopolis-Geneseo School Board during public forum at their regular monthly meeting. Peschka’s request was simple: Consider a land transfer. It isn’t the first time Wilson residents have made the request of the USD 327 board. A group first approached them in May to discuss a possible land transfer.

After executive session, the board had no public discussion and took no action.

We realize the public forum isn’t set up for the board to have discourse with the public about topics, rather for them to hear patron comments. Now that they’ve had the opportunity to hear, we encourage the board to have an open discussion. Put your cards on the table.

The lack of a decisive answer is what led Wilson residents to again request the board consider a land transfer. Yes, there are obstacles, but the USD 112 board has now given consent in an open meeting for a transfer.

It’s time to talk turkey.

What could adding students from Wilson Jr./ Sr. High School mean to the Ellsworth-based district? Yes, space is tight. Students and classes have shuffled buildings this year. There is some space at Kanopolis Middle School, but it would require additional investment to make it a useable as well as ADA compliant.

Wilson school has the one thing Ellsworth schools seem to lack right now — space. What about discussing the possibility of a middle school in Wilson? Perhaps shifting grades 7 and 8 from Ellsworth to Wilson would allow space for additional high school students from Wilson.

Also, Wilson Schools have two gymnasiums.

Wouldn’t it be nice to have additional sports options for students? The City of Ellsworth is generous in allowing the gym in the city hall to be utilized, but as reported last week, the building needs extensive updates. The gym might not always be open. Perhaps the gyms in Wilson could help with junior high or even C-team games.

Ellsworth County is making strides to grow economically in a cohesive manner. It’s time to talk openly about if this is something that can be achieved in the academic realm as well. We are not asking for approval or a rubber stamp with no discussion. We are asking for dialogue. We are asking for the board to listen to the residents of this great county and make their feelings known to those residents. Our schools, our staff, our parents and our students deserve transparency.

We would be remiss if we failed to mention the upcoming Feb. 28 meeting USD 399 Paradise- Natoma-Waldo is having to discuss what a Wilson land transfer could mean for its district. We are excited for a frank discussion about the nuts and bolts of what a transfer could look like, and applaud that board.

After a discussion, USD 399 might decide the land transfer isn’t the best fit, but at least an open discussion is being held. We encourage the USD 327 board to do the same — meet, discuss. Karen Bonar Publisher