The first public hearing for the Rural Schools Task Force will be Wednesday, Oct. 23 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Superior Diesel Advanced Learning Center in the Rhinelander High School.

The task force, chaired by Rep. Rob Swearingen (R-Rhinelander), will be looking for solutions to problems facing rural schools including declining enrollment and transportation issues.

The public hearing-the first of four across the state-will feature superintendents from school districts in the Rhinelander area. This hearing is open to the public and will accept public testimony if time permits.

“The Northwoods, like most rural school districts, continues to suffer from declining enrollment, transportation needs, and inadequate broadband services,” Swearingen said. “The legislature has passed bills to increase funding to rural transportation services and expand broadband access, but we want to find solutions for rural schools that provide the same opportunities as urban schools in Madison and Milwaukee.”

Rhinelander is the first stop for the Rural Schools Task Force. Members will travel to rural schools districts around the state to discuss possible solutions with concerned parents, school officials and members of the business community.

“I hope that we can provide Speaker Vos with solid solutions to problems shared by rural schools,” Swearinger said. “By hearing directly from school district administrators and superintendents, I know that we will find ways to make our rural schools more efficient.”