Rural Education Matters (REM) is no more than a group of concerned citizens that joined together and formed a non profit organization to replace the school that a group of bueracrats decided to steal from our town. After much debate and questionable actions by the local school board it was time that the citizens took action.

In 2009 the community was asked to pass a millage for the purpose of renovating various aspects of St. Helen Elementary. It was apparent from the ad boards that were placed at the school that our childrens school facilities were in need of repair. The school needed windows, an upgraded heat system, and other essentials. In lieu of these needs the community agreed and passed the millage. It was only a few months later that not only did the school board decide that the school was to be closed but that they also were not open to debate or a change of mind. It was also made public by the board itself that the decision to close St. Helen Elementary had been in the works for at least 3 years.

It became apparent to many citizens that the school board had deceived the citizens in order to divert tax payer funds to the Roscommon Schools and that they had no concern for the kids, the tax payers, nor the community of St. Helen. This is when a small group of citizens banned together to research the many options that our town had to answer the wrong doings of a school board gone awry.

REM consists of business owners, parents, grand parents, and retirees. They are working tirelessly and without compensation to preservere the community of St. Helen and to provide our children with a quality educational institution. An institution not hindered by political agendas and spiteful actions.