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Crisis Looms: Impending School Closures Threaten Our Community's Core

  • Writer: Katie Mosman
    Katie Mosman
  • Mar 14, 2024
  • 3 min read

Updated: Mar 18, 2024


Our community is staring down a sobering future if the upcoming levy fails. This vision goes far beyond the idea of making do with less—it paints a picture of a fundamental breakdown in the educational system that serves as the backbone of our local economy and community life.



The potential consequences of a failed levy loom large. The closure of Clearwater Valley and Elk City schools will cause more than just logistical challenges—it will be a deep cut to the educational access and opportunity for kids who live there. Schools are the heartbeats of our communities. When a school closes, we lose more than just a place of learning. We lose a piece of our community's soul– a gathering spot where generations have come together. The ripple effects extend far beyond the students and staff; local businesses that cater to school families face losses, community events lose their venues, and the sense of neighborhood unity weakens.


The closure of Clearwater Valley and Elk City schools will cause more than just logistical challenges—it will be a deep cut to the educational access.

Moreover, the potential for widespread staff layoffs is significant. These are not just employees, they are our friends and neighbors– dedicated individuals who have poured countless hours and extensive personal resources into nurturing and teaching our children. They are the ones who stay late to tutor students who need extra help, spend their weekends at games or arts performances, and reach into their own pockets to buy supplies for their classrooms. It is evident that their commitment goes beyond the call of duty, often at great personal cost, to ensure that every child receives the education and care they deserve.


In the buildings we are able to keep open, the cuts will continue, touching every aspect of school life. From academic programs to sports and extracurricular activities, the potential for drastic reductions or complete eliminations could fundamentally alter the landscape of not just our educational system but our community. We’re not talking about mere adjustments; the cuts will be a hollowing out of the very experiences that enrich our kids' lives, slashing opportunities for critical thinking, collaboration, and personal development that go beyond the core curriculum.


The failure to locally fund schools strikes at the heart of what makes our community thrive. A quality education system is the cornerstone of a prosperous community, preparing our kids for the job market and for meaningful participation in society. The cuts on the table risk not only the immediate quality of education but also the long-term viability of our community, affecting everything from our future workforce to the social and economic health of our region.


The potential unraveling of our community in the wake of a possible 5th failed levy in a row underscores the urgency that we vote to locally support and fund education.

The potential unraveling of our community in the wake of a possible 5th failed levy in a row underscores the urgency that we vote to locally support and fund education. This is a call to action not just for parents, but for all community members who cherish the vibrant, interconnected tapestry of our towns. By voting in favor of the levy, we're voting to keep our schools—and by extension, our communities—intact, thriving, and resilient.


As the levy vote draws near, remember, this isn't just about funding; it's about our community's heart and future. A failed levy risks dismantling the educational foundation our kids and community depend on. Voting for the levy means keeping our schools alive and our community united. Let's support our children, schools, and the future we believe in. This vote is our chance to show what truly matters to us. Let's make the right choice together.


In Person Early Voting Begins:  April 30th - May 17th

Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: May 10th

Election Day Voting:  May 21st 


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