School board votes to consolidate base schools

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. David Dobrydney
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The Grand Forks Air Force Base School Board voted to accept a recommendation from Grand Forks Public Schools to consolidate the two on-base schools into one.

Under the proposal, Carl Ben Eielson Elementary School would be shuttered at the end of the 2013-2014 school year, with classes being held at Nathan W. Twining Elementary and Middle School.

The recommendation was accepted by a 4-0 vote at the school board's meeting April 15.
The decision to close one school and consolidate classes came in the face of declining student population and reductions in federal school funding. The move is expected to save more than $500,000.

"I know it was a difficult decision for the school board to make," said Dr. Larry Nybladh, Grand Forks Public Schools superintendent, "however, it speaks to their resolve to find efficiencies."

A formal transition plan will now be drawn up for discussion at subsequent meetings.
"It should be a fairly smooth transition," said Nybladh.

Although Eielson will be closed, the building will still maintained in the event that student population ramps back up and additional capacity is needed. The Eielson name is also expected to remain in use at the newly consolidated school.