Dear Editor As a proud Murray County native and Slayton High School graduate who is fortunate to have a summer home on Lake Shetek, I admire the many positive things happening across the area. In the March 16, 2026 edition of the Murray County Wheel Herald, I noted two School Board reports — one from Fulda Public Schools and one from Murray County Central.
The Fulda School Board and community members addressed the sensitive topic of consolidation, and the MCC board report confirmed an upcoming joint meeting scheduled for March 30. The willingness to have these conversations is a forward-thinking step.
Declining enrollment is a challenge facing many communities across greater Minnesota and in the Twin Cities. Schools are working hard to maintain sports rosters, support marching bands, theater productions and sustain enrollment levels that allow for specialized classes and extracurricular programs that benefit students. At the same time, many districts face tight budgets and challenges in recruiting educators to fill open positions.
Fulda and MCC have already demonstrated that collaboration can work. Students and coaches have built competitive combined wrestling, cross country, and track teams. Young people from across the county are active in their local 4-H clubs and come together each August at the Murray County Fair.
These conversations are not easy, but they are timely and important. As school leaders and community members gather to discuss the future, I encourage everyone involved to keep the students of Murray County at the center of conversations. Our youth deserve the same strong education and broad opportunities that generations before them received including the option to join sports teams, to participate in clubs, band, choir, and drama, and to learn and grow in schools that offer a range of opportunities.
The choices made will help ensure that future students continue to thrive. Meetings to discuss bringing the two districts together is an important first step.
Connie Humphrey Shaver
