On Tuesday, voters in the Oldham‑Ramona‑Rutland School District will cast ballots on a proposal to dissolve the district and close its sole school on June 30, 2027. Superintendent Dan Baldwin explained that the ballot mirrors the reorganization plan presented last year. If the measure passes, the district’s 82 in‑district students will be assigned to one of nine surrounding districts based on their home addresses.
Community voices on both sides
Supporters of keeping the district open, organized under the name ORR Strong: Raider Support, submitted a petition to trigger a revote, arguing that the school provides a vital sense of belonging for students and families. “ORR is a special place,” the group wrote, emphasizing the personal connections, safe environment, and employment it offers to 38 staff members. They warned that closing the school would strip families of choice and disrupt long‑standing relationships.
Opponents, represented by Rural Students, Real Opportunities, argue that the district’s current model is financially unsustainable. Their statement notes that the district covers 317 square miles but serves only 82 students, a steep decline of nearly 150 students over three years. Despite this drop, the budget remains near historic levels, resulting in a per‑student cost of roughly $28,077—more than double the expense in neighboring districts. The group points out that nearly $3.2 million has been spent on an empty building that educates no students.
Fiscal realities and future outlook
Rural Students, Real Opportunities highlights that even with some of the highest local levies, projected funding will soon fall short, forcing the district to rely on additional opt‑out funding. They contend that reorganization would allow taxpayer dollars to be directed toward classrooms and educational programs rather than maintaining a failing system. The statement also notes a long‑term demographic challenge: very few children ages 0‑5 are projected to enroll, limiting future growth.
Superintendent Baldwin said the district is working to ensure a smooth election process and hopes the community will accept the results, whatever they may be. He acknowledged that the wording of the ballot—”voting for it means closing the school”—can be confusing for some voters.
What’s at stake
The decision will affect not only the students and staff but also the broader community that relies on the school as an economic and social hub. If dissolved, the district’s assets and responsibilities will be transferred to surrounding districts, potentially reshaping educational options for families across a large rural area.
Residents are encouraged to review the ballot language carefully and consider both the emotional value of a local school and the fiscal implications of maintaining a high‑cost, low‑enrollment system. The outcome will set a precedent for how small, rural districts address declining enrollment and budget pressures in South Dakota.
Original reporting: Dakota News Now KSFY Sioux Falls (local) — read the source article.
