Wausau School Board. MWC file photo by Mike Leischner
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — It wasn’t a firm plan or final model by any stretch, but it is a starting point for discussion.
The Wausau School Administration team presented what they called the “Plan A” elementary restructuring model to the school board on Tuesday. But the only thing that was decided during the meeting was this wouldn’t be the only plan, and more discussion is needed.
The plan called for the closure of five elementary schools including Lincoln, Rib Mountain, Franklin, Hewett-Texas, and Grant. Under the proposal three of the buildings would be repurposed as alternative schools or space for charter schools. One would be repurposed as a child care center for employees and the community, and two others would be sold.
Administrators added that in most cases the district’s current boundaries would remain intact. Schools would see increased enrollment, however, class sizes would remain largely unchanged. The district does not plan to cut back on education staff as part of any restructuring plan unless enrollment projections take another significant decline several years down the road.
“These kinds of opportunities will give us the chance to kind of control what we want for class sizes,” said Superintendent Keith Hilts. Others emphasized that the district does not want to go the way of creating “mega elementary” schools.
Those on the board said it was good to get a look at at least one idea, but more discussion is needed.
RELATED: Wausau School District Holds Discussion on Possible Restructuring, Consolidation
District leaders are planning to hold a second public information and input session on the issue next Wednesday, December 7th at Wausau East High School. They’ve also set up a website where residents can get answers to frequently asked questions and take a community survey to provide feedback on the idea.
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