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KEOSAUQUA,IOWA -- The Van Buren County Community School District has had a roller coaster ride the past few days.

The district of 730 students saw an increase in graduation rates to 98%. That is 10% higher than the state average. Administrators say it's due to small class sizes and more one on one attention from teachers.

However, the county will not be receiving money from the State Allowable Growth program due to a declining enrollment.

As a result, the district is forced to make tough budget cuts; and that might mean closing Stockport Middle School. The 154 students would be relocated to Keosauqua.

Superintendent of Van Buren Schools Lisa Beames says it's never easy to close a school.

"It will have an impact on us in terms of our ability to tax or our spending authority. It will not bring us any new money. So we can procede with making budget decisions. It's a tough economic time for us and for all schools."

The district will hold two public hearings to discuss the school closing. The first hearing will be held March 7th at Roberts Memorial Center in Keosauqua. The second hearing is set for March 9th at Stockport Middle School. Both hearings will start at 7 p.m.