The Branden Valley school district will be down one elementary school next year due to budget constraints.
Valley Springs Elementary is closing at the end of this school year and a replacement school isn't opening as planned, according to Superintendent Jarod Larson.
The school district originally planned for a 165-student increase, but only grew by 35 students. Larson said with less state funds, the district is dealing with a deficit of more than $1.4 million.
The district initially planned to close Valley Springs Elementary in 2025 - the same year a new elementary on the east side of the district was set to open. To cut costs, Valley Springs will close in 2024, and the opening of the new school is delayed until fall 2026.
Until the new elementary school opens, Valley Spring students will attend Brandon Elementary.