The Bruneau-Grand View Joint District was established in the 1950s, when both Bruneau and Grand View had their own elementary and high schools. By the 1970s, both high school buildings were in poor condition and required major repairs. The communities debated for years about creating a combined high school, ultimately deciding to place Rimrock Jr-Sr High School halfway between Bruneau and Grand View. Decades later, these tensions remain as the two communities continue to disagree. Currently, a vote on November 4th will decide the future of Bruneau Elementary School. The district has also considered building a new K-5 school in a central location. A clear long-term plan is lacking. Why displace children while the best plan is being developed? Unlike previous facility issues, both BES and GVES are currently in good condition.

I am both a parent and grandparent of BES and Rimrock graduates, and I served on the school board during the 1990s. My family operates a farm and ranch in Bruneau, so I understand how important it is for employees’ children to have access to a nearby school. Having a local school also supports property values.

The district has surveyed community members several times about their preferences, and every survey indicates that people want to keep the elementary schools in their respective towns. Over more than 30 years, I’ve served on various committees with different superintendents and boards. We’ve looked at budgets for three-building, two-building, and single K-12 facility options—all requiring supplemental levies. The fact remains: state funding is inadequate, as seen in the number of levies statewide each year.

Because Bruneau and Grand View were originally separate districts, closing a school requires a vote by local residents. At the end of the last school year, teachers were told BES would close for the following year. Although teachers were offered other jobs in the district, all chose to resign and work elsewhere. Some Bruneau community members consulted attorneys regarding the closure. In early July, the district realized they needed to comply with Idaho Statute 33-511 to properly close BES. Within weeks, all teaching vacancies were filled. Over the years, experienced BES teachers have been transferred to GVES, which then created further openings at BES—these have been the result of district decisions.

Declining enrollment is a challenge throughout the district. Thanks to school choice, parents can now select what’s best for their children’s education. While per-student costs are higher at BES, they are similar to those at Rimrock. Why force our youngest students to leave their well-maintained school and travel over 20 miles by bus?

Bruneau has used combined classes since the 1950s, a practice supported by families. Test scores show that Bruneau students excel in ELA/Literacy and Mathematics, meeting state goals—unlike GVES. This demonstrates that combined classes do not compromise the quality of education. Rimrock will graduate 10 seniors this year, 8 of them attended BES. If we consider the success of education, I’d say it is effective.

Ultimately, BES parents are prepared to accept combined classes and even cold lunches if it means keeping their children close to home instead of busing them long distances. It’s not just difficult for students; parents must travel far for sick children, forgotten items, events, or volunteering.

Even if you don’t currently have children in school, are retired, or have students elsewhere in the district, please consider this: don’t ask for something for others’ children that you wouldn’t want for your own. Let’s keep Bruneau Elementary open!

Sherry Colyer is a parent, grandparent and rancher in Bruneau Grandview.