DUGGER, Ind. (AP) – A small southwestern Indiana town that has struggled to keep its school open is celebrating a big victory.

Grace College announced Wednesday that it would sponsor Dugger Union Community School Corp. as a charter starting in the 2015-2016 school year. The contract is expected to run for up to seven years.

The move ends a two-year fight to preserve the Dugger Union Community School, which has seen enrollment and revenue decline. The school operated this year under the umbrella of the Indiana Cyber Charter School after the Northeast Sullivan School Board voted to consolidate it.

The Tribune-Star and Sullivan Times report the contract with Grace will authorize Dugger Union as a standalone charter. 

School board President Kyle Foli says the school hopes to have 230 students enrolled by August.