In the 2001-2002 school year, 36 students attended grades K-5. The District serves approximately 1,600 students in five communities and operated six buildings. The possibility of closing Montour first arose as the District addressed financial problems, decreased enrollment and a series of personnel-related problems.

The potential of closing the elementary building generated considerable public debate. The Board considered and discussed the possible closing at each board meeting between October 1, 2001 and February 18, 2002. The vote to close the building took place on February 28, 2002, with the closing being effective at the beginning of the 2002-2003 school year.

Appellants' primary contention was that the Board failed to consider the State Marshall's report for the district's elementary buildings. None of the South Tama attendance centers had been closed due to violations. Whether the District Board exercised its authority in a reasonable manner was the question raised in this appeal.

The evidence presented showed that the District Board substantially complied with the Barker guidelines and by doing so made the process reasonable and the decision was affirmed.

That the February 18, 2002, decision by the South Tama County Community School District Board of Directors to close the Montour Building was affirmed.