News Summary
The Waukesha School District is considering the closure of four elementary schools—Bethesda, Hawthorne, Prairie, and Lowell—due to a significant decline in student enrollment. With current enrollment at approximately 10,500 students, projections indicate a further drop to around 8,776 students by 2034. The district is exploring various options, including redistricting and program changes, while community members have raised concerns regarding the impact of potential closures on families and students, especially those with special needs.
Waukesha, Wisconsin — School District Considers Closure of Four Elementary Schools Amid Declining Enrollment
The Waukesha School District is currently reviewing plans that could lead to the closure of four elementary schools in response to a significant decline in student enrollment. The primary focus is on Bethesda, Hawthorne, Prairie, and Lowell Elementary schools, with discussions ongoing among district officials, parents, and community members.
Background on Declining Enrollment
The district’s student population has decreased markedly over the past decade. From a high of over 13,000 students during the 2012-13 school year, current enrollment has fallen to approximately 10,500 students. Projections suggest that this downward trend may continue, potentially dropping to as low as 8,776 students by the year 2034. To address this trend, the district is considering reducing its overall built capacity by 10% to 15%, aligning school facilities with current and projected enrollment figures.
Proposed Solutions and Considerations
Since July, the district has been exploring multiple options to manage declining student numbers. These include redistricting, grade shifts, and the closure of certain schools. Among the options presented, Bethesda Elementary has frequently been identified for potential closure, alongside considerations for building new programs like a K-8 STEM school.
In addition to school closures, districts have proposed other strategies such as selling properties to make better use of district assets and revising existing programs, including a dual language program. However, plans involving closure and consolidation have raised concerns about the impact on community cohesion and the preservation of unique educational offerings.
Community Response and Concerns
The community’s reactions to potential closures have been strong, with parents and local residents voicing apprehension about the changes. Several parents attended the school’s morning drop-off at Lowell Elementary to express their worries, especially regarding the possibility of students having to commute longer distances rather than walk to school. This concern is particularly acute for families with students who have special needs.
A notable case involves Cassandra, a 10-year-old student with special needs who has attended Lowell Elementary since she was three years old. Her father has expressed significant concern that closing the school could disrupt her routine and access to specialized support. Cassandra has several disabilities, including cerebral palsy, ataxia, apraxia, and epilepsy, making her current school environment critical to her development and well-being.
Advocacy and Ongoing Discussions
Community members, including groups of parents such as a group of mothers, have called for reassessments of enrollment data. They have raised questions over potential discrepancies and the broader impacts on vulnerable student populations, especially low-income students who rely on neighborhood schools.
The district has emphasized that no final decisions regarding school closures have been made. The School Board plans to continue its review and analysis before reaching a decision, which is expected to be announced by the end of the year. If approved, the changes would be implemented in fall 2026.
Next Steps and Upcoming Meetings
The School Board is scheduled to hold a public meeting at 6 p.m. at the Blair Administration Building to discuss the proposed plans further. Stakeholders are encouraged to participate and provide input before any formal actions are taken.
Overall, the district’s efforts aim to balance fiscal responsibility with maintaining quality educational opportunities. As enrollment trends continue to evolve, the district remains engaged in discussions about how best to serve its students and community while addressing demographic and economic changes.
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Additional Resources
- WISN: Waukesha School Board Considers Elementary School Closures
- Wikipedia: Waukesha, Wisconsin
- Jsonline: Waukesha School District Plans School Closures
- Google Search: Waukesha school closures
- TMJ4: Waukesha Families Speak Out on School Closures
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Waukesha
- Fox 6 Now: Waukesha School Closures and Parent Concerns
- Google News: Waukesha school district
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