Hanska school closing

By KEVIN SWEENEY

Journal Editor

HANSKA -- Facing a continuing decline in an already small enrollment, the governing board of the Hanska Community School decided earlier this month to close the charter school at the end of the current school year.

Sandy Berg, one of the three classroom teachers in the school and a member of the school board, said Friday the decision came when it became apparent next year's enrollment would be around 15 to 20 students in kindergarten through sixth grade, not enough to raise the funding needed to keep the school open.

Hanska's enrollment is 25 this year, with eight students in the K-1 class, eight in the grades 2-3 class, and nine in the grades 4 through 6 class.

The last day of school will be June 3.

The Hanska Community School was chartered six years ago after District 88 decided to close its elementary schools in Hanska and Lafayette. Lafayette residents also formed a charter school.

District 88 was the original sponsor of the school, but announced it was withdrawing is sponsorship last year from both Hanska and Lafayette charter schools. The two schools have been sponsored by the state Department of Education this past year.

Berg said reaction from Hanska residents has been "very sad" since the closing was announced.

Families who send their children to Hanska Community School this year will have a choice of sending their children to New Ulm, Madelia, St. James or Sleepy Eye schools next year.