Forty-two patrons of the West Elk school district say they will continue to oppose USD 282 plans to close the elementary schools in Moline and Severy.

The group, formed at a Saturday meeting in Severy, will be called “Concerned Citizens of USD 282,” and they have acquired the services of attorney Mary Ann Shirley of Eureka.

The meeting was called by Lesa Schroeder, a former member of the board of education, and Eric Krug, both of whom reside at Severy.

Krug told Prairie Star that  the group was to meet with their attorney on Tuesday, then would meet again to determine their next steps.

“We want to make sure that everything we do is legal so we’ll take it a step at a time,” said Krug. He said the group discussed circulating petitions seeking a special election to give patrons a voice in the closing of the schools. The group discussed raising approximately $1,800 in private funds to pay for a special election which they would hope to hold in April of this year.

“I don’t see spending the money on modulars when we have a perfectly good school here in Severy and another at Moline,” he said.

USD 282 Supt. Corey Reese has consistently held that the district cannot afford much time because district finances can no longer support three school campuses.

The superintendent says pursuing an election is their choice, referring to the Severy group, but it doesn’t change the fact that the district needs money. He says consolidating to one campus will save $500,000 a year in operations and salaries. He also says the state will eventually pay back the costs for constructing the modular classrooms. “I think this is the best we can do,” Reese said.

The USD 282 board voted on Jan. 11 to proceed with closing the Moline and Severy schools, citing severe financial strains on the district budget. A special meeting of the board has been called for Thursday night, Jan. 28, at 7:30 p.m. in the West Elk board office. Items on the agenda include discussion and action on facilities, modulars, negotiations and personnel. An executive session to discuss non-elected personnel also will be included during the meeting.