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Jackson Forderer
Wells, Minn.

Out with the old school, in with the new in Wells

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Starting school at a brand new school
Fathers Rob Passer, left, and John Meyer, right, say goodbye to their kindergarteners Ethan Passer, 6, and Madison Meyer, 5.
Jackson Forderer / For MPR News

Classes started Wednesday for students at United South Central Schools in the southern Minnesota town of Wells. The new academic year means the celebration of a new $28.8 million school as well as an opportunity to honor memories at the old building, which stands nearly empty across town.

Freelance photojournalist Jackson Forderer documented the first-day-of-school activities (new building) and vacant scenes (old building) on Sept. 4, 2014.

Gallery
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The cafeteria in the old school
The cafeteria at the old United South Central building is nearly empty.
Jackson Forderer / For MPR News
1 of 20
Starting school at a brand new school
Fathers Rob Passer, left, and John Meyer, right, say goodbye to their kindergarteners Ethan Passer, 6, and Madison Meyer, 5.
Jackson Forderer / For MPR News
2 of 20
Curtains in an old kindergarten classroom
A section of curtains hang in a kindergarten classroom in the old building. The elementary rooms in the new school are much bigger, according to teacher Cheryl Koestler.
Jackson Forderer / For MPR News