The Karns City School Board’s decision on the fate of its elementary schools is a commendable compromise that will minimize future dissatisfaction.

While the decision won’t make everyone happy — few decisions do — the option embraced by the board seems to be the least disruptive in terms of students’ and families’ lives.

While most Bruin Elementary School students and their parents would have preferred that their school not be closed, the plan adopted by the board seemingly is the best alternative, sending all Bruin students to Chicora Elementary School.

Had the board chosen one of two alternatives involving realignment of grades at Chicora and at Sugarcreek Elementary School, lengthy — in terms of time and distance — bus rides to and from school could have been the result for many district students, not only those of Bruin.

Prior to last Monday’s decision, the school district opted for the right approach, appointing a citizens advisory committee to evaluate the options. Having the advisory committee in place avoided the perception that the school board and district administration were unsympathetic to residents’ concerns and were attempting to shut out other viewpoints.

The advisory committee should remain a permanent fixture in the district, serving as a liaison between residents and school officials. The new school board that will be in place as a result of the Nov. 8 election, effective in December, will consider that issue.

District Superintendent Eric Ritzert told a Butler Eagle reporter Wednesday that he wants more public involvement in the district’s issues.

The process involving the elementary schools was an exercise in trust, and it seems that on that front the district merits an “A.”

Amid the work that took place on the various elementary school proposals, the adopted option doesn’t exceed the class-size cap in effect in the district, which also is good news.

For many Karns City residents and current and former students, sadness will greet the closing of Bruin Elementary at the end of the current school year. Many fond memories of the school and teachers who taught there for many years will be rekindled.

The school has been a central point of life in and around Bruin, and the community understandably would have preferred that the school remain open. However, all considered, the issue has worked out well and residents throughout the district should have a positive outlook going forward.

In some school systems, the situation would not have turned out so well.