NORTHOME — The Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled the South Koochiching-Rainy River School District followed the law and had substantial evidence to close one of its two schools last year.
In an opinion published Monday, Aug. 5, the appeals court affirmed a lower court's decision after a citizen group challenged the closure of the Indus School near the Canadian border. The school closure leaves only the Northome School to serve the 1,500-square-mile district.
Though the district is geographically large, it's also sparsely populated. Just 270 students were enrolled in kindergarten through 12th in the 2022-23 school year. One-third of those students attended the Indus School.
Faced with declining enrollment, repeated budget deficits and significant maintenance needs at both schools, the School Board voted for the closure in June 2023.
The Save Indus Group appealed the district’s decision. They argued that the district failed to properly follow school closure procedures and did not have substantial evidence to close the school.
Specifically, the group said the district did not show how its projected enrollment numbers were calculated and questioned the long bus rides for some students because of the closure, among other arguments.
Writing for the court, Judge Matthew Johnson dismissed the group’s arguments, citing a lack of sufficient evidence, explanation or legal standing.
The Save Indus Group has the opportunity to appeal this decision to the Minnesota Supreme Court, which would then decide whether to take up the matter.
The group posted a statement Monday on the Indus Community Education Development Facebook page.
"The Minnesota Constitution guarantees a public education as a fundamental right," the statement reads. "The Save Indus Group believes that the students of Northern Koochiching County deserve to attend their local school just like all other Minnesota Students.
"Closing Indus School was neither practical or necessary. We respect the Court of Appeals, and we will carefully review their ruling to determine our next course of action."