The Hudson School Board moved forward with closure and boundary-planning work Nov. 11 despite vocal public opposition and a warning from community representatives that legal action is imminent.

Hundreds of parents, employees and community members, according to speaker John Dolan, have spent thousands of hours reviewing district documents and contend the board rushed its Oct. 13 decision on closing two elementary schools. "We don't want this decision done to us," Dolan said, adding his group is "in the process of commencing formal legal action against the district with our attorneys who are here tonight."

Other public speakers questioned the timing and data behind the closures. Richard Thompson told the board "the decision's already been made, apparently, to close the 2 schools," describing a negative public perception and asking whether projected savings and increased busing costs had been fully analyzed.

District administration said consultants will present a full enrollment analysis on Dec. 8, and preliminary consultant feedback suggests elementary enrollment will "equalize at about somewhere between 1,700 and 1,800 students over the next 10 years," down from a current cited figure near 1,938. Administration characterized the December presentation as the point when more definitive data will be available.

Board members and administration described a set of work groups and public meetings to guide the boundary process. Nick, the district administrator, said boundary meetings are scheduled for Jan. 13 and Jan. 27 and that the consultants from MGT will run those sessions. He said the board will solicit survey feedback on proposed boundary options.

Board members said they want community participation in the work groups. Director Molly (surname not specified) and others urged a parent advisory approach, including engagement on special-education impacts.

What happens next: consultants will present the final enrollment analysis Dec. 8; boundary meetings are scheduled for Jan. 13 and Jan. 27; work groups and surveys will follow. Speakers who challenged the board said they will seek a legal remedy if they do not receive additional analysis and public collaboration.