After multiple meetings with area superintendents, a tentative plan has been put in
place for the dissolution of Southern Cloud, USD 334. In late 2024, the 334 school
board voted to dissolve, and since then, representatives from surrounding school
districts have been in communication. This includes 379, as well as USD 273 Beloit,
333 Cloud, 224 Clifton-Clyde, and 239 North Ottawa/Minneapolis.
Currently, Clay County hosts 31 students from 334. Nelson said the district has reached
out to current 334 families and asked for feedback.
“We’re trying to find feedback on what’s important to them and make a good choice for
them,” he said. Adding that the biggest response was transportation.
After much discussion and negotiation, Nelson said a tentative map was drawn that
leaves USD’s jurisdiction up to 60th Road. This allows a bus to land in Miltonvale,
allowing interested students the ability to walk or be dropped off at that stop. In addition, a bus from USD 224 will also stop in a similar area, allowing students who’ve chosen to attend Clifton-Clyde similar transportation options.
“We felt like this was a good compromise that we could put a bus in the vicinity to the
majority of the population,” he said.
In addition, he mentioned that Clay County USD is the ninth-largest geographic district in the state, and the decision was made to serve existing 379 students without making
things more difficult logistically.
However, a lot of steps still have to be taken until Southern Cloud can fully dissolve,
Nelson said. All school boards have to vote on a plan once it’s finalized, he said.
In addition, 379 board president, Tracy Claeys, reminded the board that if it’s not resolved among boards, the state will take over the decision-making process.
“If one doesn’t agree, the state will tell us what to do,” he said.
“We’re just trying to work
out an agreement. If one little thing falls apart, the state is going to make that decision.”
Nelson then confirmed that Southern Cloud will dissolve regardless.
Board members did ask about outstanding debt, and it was confirmed that they do have
an outstanding lease agreement. However, the interim Southern Cloud superintendent said they are confident the debt can be resolved. Regardless, 379 will not take on any of the debt or buildings.
For the 2025-2026 school year, the only Southern Cloud building that will remain open
is the Glasco Grade School, which serves students kindergarten through fifth grade. As it stands, students in Southern Cloud will continue to apply as an out-of-district to 379 through July of 2026.
“Basically they’re staying open a year because it takes a year to close,” Nelson said. :We’ve learned a lot but it’s a very complicated process.”
