To the editor:     

I am a student at Wilson High School expressing my concern and opinion about my future. I have gone to school at Wilson my entire life and it breaks my heart along with lots of my peers knowing that Wilson High School will no longer exist after this school year. It is hard on all the students and staff knowing what is to come in the future but what is even worse for us is not understanding the reasoning behind the decision that was made on April 11, 2022.

Could we reconsider the possibility of sharing staff across the district? The district could save money by syncing schedules and sharing teachers at the two high schools. If a block schedule was used, these teachers would only need to travel every other day. If the proposed closure of Wilson’s 7-12 passes and those students are assigned to attend classes in Claflin, that’s putting about 70 kids on the roads DAILY. Wouldn’t you feel more comfortable putting 5-10 adults on the road every other day? The district’s motto is “Every student, every chance, every day.”

I also hope as you analyze the finances you realize USD 112 will lose many students if Wilson High School is closed. For example, my drive to Wilson everyday is 12 minutes, I would have to drive to Wilson then another 30 minutes to Claflin. That’s 42 minutes one way every day (84 minutes round trip). I have four schools closer to my home that offer everything Central Plains High School does. I am just one student out of many families that do not live directly in Wilson. Students living in the city of Wilson have two other high schools that are closer and one that is equal travel time. I am well aware fewer students in USD 112 means fewer dollars in state aid, so I hope you are considering the loss of funding when making this decision final.

My final request is to help me understand how this is the best option for USD 112. The reasons given for the closure of Wilson’s 7-12 are all financial in nature. As elected board members, before you proceed with the closing you have an obligation to share with us the financial reasoning, because at this point it is very unclear to me how this is the best option for USD 112 as a whole. I would like to extend an invitation to any board member who is willing to sit down with myself and other students to help us understand the financial situation of USD 112 and how closing Wilson High School is going to solve the problem. I can be reached by email at 24athielen@usd112.org.

Just something for community members and USD 112 board members to think about. This decision will affect hundreds of people so please take time to think about what you are doing.

One of many concerned WHS students 

Anna Thielen

Dorrance