When we look at the history of USD 251, one thing that comes up often is the idea that the district has always chosen Americus.

We weren’t part of those past decisions, so we can’t speak to the conversations or circumstances that led to them. What we can do is look back at the enrollment numbers and historical reports to better understand what was happening in the district at the time. And when you do that, the numbers provide some important context for how the district’s elementary enrollment has changed over time.

When Admire closed in 2010, Admire had about 98 students, Reading had 69, and Americus had 170.

The following year, Americus had 230 students.

Then look at Reading. When Reading closed in 2018, it had about 48 students, and Americus had 216.

The following year, Americus had 236 students.

These numbers don’t tell the whole story, and they certainly don’t tell us whether every past decision was the right one. But they do help us understand what was happening with enrollment in our communities when those decisions were made.

And we think that context matters today.

We aren't speaking for past Boards. We’re looking at the numbers.

The history matters. The numbers matter. And so do Admire, Reading, Americus, and every community that makes up USD 251.

If we are going to make decisions about the future of this district, we believe every community deserves to be part of that conversation.