The Neenah Joint School District Board of Education explored three potential master plans for grade configurations and building renovations at its second of four public facilities study meetings on Feb. 28 at Shattuck Middle School.
The options presented by a facilities study committee and Bray Architects were offered as ideas for initial consideration at the Board level. None of the plans were official recommendations.
In all three potential models, every school would undergo improvements to ensure flexible learning environments, secure entrances and dedicated art and music rooms in each building. Shattuck and the high school would undergo more significant modernization and upgrades. All of the options centralize all of the four-year-old kindergarten (4K) programs through an expansion at Washington School of Early Learning.
In one potential option, the centralizing of 4K at Washington is the only grade configuration change. A second option would close Roosevelt and move those students and staff to an expanded Wilson. All of the elementary schools would serve students in grades K-4 with Horace Mann undergoing an expansion to house grades 5 and 6. Another option would incorporate the first two options and also close Taft and Hoover, while expanding Clayton, Lakeview, Spring Road and Tullar.
One of the main considerations for the entire study has been creating flexible learning environments and determining what learning looks like in 2024, 2030 and beyond. District Administrators Matt Anderson and Steve Dreger opened the meeting by presenting a look at how education has evolved and providing research on ideal instructional models and learning spaces.
About 25 community members offered feedback during two rounds of open forum over the four-hour meeting. Several speakers expressed concern about closing Roosevelt because of its importance to Doty Island and wanting to keep “neighborhood schools” at the elementary level. Others suggested building some new schools rather than continuing to renovate buildings that are nearly 100 years old.
Costs and financing for potential projects will be discussed at the next meeting on March 19. Bray President Matthew Wolfert indicated that costs were determined for both razing and renovating every building. The study also examined costs of keeping fifth grade at elementary schools rather than relocating them to Horace Mann.
The discussion regarding the neighborhood schools was a common theme throughout the meeting as the Board wrestled with the idea of whether having nine elementary schools was better than consolidating some buildings. Wolfert offered that in his experience around the state, three and four section schools tend to be the most ideal since they offer more efficiencies with fewer shared staff members and more consistent class sizes. Some Board members indicated they do not like the idea of closing any buildings.
Another question surrounded how the committee selected the schools considered for closing. Geography, available land to expand and the costs of infrastructure changes were the primary reasons provided. Wolfert said there are no formal plans at this point on what to do with the buildings if some schools closed. A few Board members questioned whether it would be better to increase renovations at some schools instead of renovating every building.
The future site of Alliance Charter Elementary was not included in the master plan. Some community and Board members expressed concern about not having a site for Alliance determined and noted this might be the ideal time to consider expanding the school.
“I don't want anyone to think that because Alliance is not mentioned in any of these plans that it has not been a critical part of our plan,” Wolfert said.
In terms of grade configuration, the committee looked at 13 possible options. Wolfert said the consensus was to keep grades 9-12 at the high school and not separate grades K-2 from the other elementary levels, so most of the focus was on grades 5-8.
Wolfert was asked about timelines for the projects such as which schools would be done first and how it would impact the school year. He said those decisions would be made once the Board determines its final plan.
The third of the four meetings is set for March 19 and will begin at 5 p.m. at the Shattuck Auditorium. The public is encouraged to provide feedback and ask questions about the plans and the process. A form has been set up at goo.gl/zS6iLo for individuals to submit comments or questions.
Previous Meeting Recaps:
Feb. 15 - Priorities and Values Highlight First School Board Facilities Study Meeting
|