Washington Elementary, which features one of the smallest student populations in St. Landry Parish, is being allowed to remain open next year with the possibility of educating even fewer students. St. Landry Parish School Board members made the decision Thursday night after weighing several grade configurations and a potential closing of the school located in an historic town with a population of about 1,000. The issue of what to do about the school has occupied several hours of discussion during board meetings over the last two months. Last week, Washington Mayor Dwight Landreneau delivered an appeal to school officials, emphasizing the importance of the school to the town’s residents and the necessity of having the campus remain viable.