Voters in the Oldham‑Ramona‑Rutland School District will cast ballots Tuesday on a proposal to either keep the district operating or dissolve it, a decision that will determine the fate of the district’s single school and its community role, according to Dakota News Now.
Superintendent Dan Baldwin explained that the ballot measures the same reorganization plan that was presented last year. If the plan is approved, the district would close on June 30, 2027, and the 82 in‑district students would be reassigned to one of nine surrounding districts based on their home addresses. Baldwin noted that community members signed a petition to trigger a revote because the previous election was close, and he warned that a vote in favor of the plan means the school will close, which can be confusing for voters.
Opponents of dissolution organized under the name ORR Strong: Raider Support, issuing a written statement that emphasized the school’s role beyond its physical facilities. The group described the district as a “safe space” where students feel valued and highlighted the impact on the 38 staff members who work there, arguing that closing the school would disrupt relationships and limit families’ educational choices.
Supporters of dissolution, represented by Rural Students, Real Opportunities, argued that the current model is financially unsustainable. Their statement cited a decline of nearly 150 students over three years, a per‑student cost of approximately $28,077—more than double neighboring districts—and $3.2 million spent on an empty building. The group warned that even with high local levies, funding will soon be insufficient, and that the district’s enrollment outlook is bleak, with few children ages 0‑5 projected.
Baldwin said district officials are working to ensure a smooth election process and expressed hope that the community will accept the results and move forward, whatever the outcome. Residents who wish to learn more about the ballot measure or the reorganization plan are encouraged to attend the upcoming information sessions hosted by the school board.
What’s next: After Tuesday’s vote, the school board will certify the results and, if dissolution is approved, begin the transition process that will place students in neighboring districts and address staff employment by the end of June 2027.
Sources: dakotanewsnow.com
