The content of a community survey that will be mailed this fall served as the focus for the Neenah Joint School District Board of Education at its July 31 facilities study meeting.
The meeting was the seventh in a series of meetings since February to determine the future of the District’s facilities. Bill Foster, president of Slinger-based School Perceptions, presented the initial draft of a community survey. The survey will gauge community residents’ interest in projects and funding for a potential referendum.
Much of the early discussion centered around who should make the decision whether to renovate Shattuck Middle School or construct a new building. The Board wondered whether they should make that decision or let the general public decide. Board members noted they have far more information and background than the general public, but also requested some additional details from Bray Architects in regards to whether a renovated Shattuck would meet the future needs of the District.
Foster recommended having the Board make the decision prior to sending the survey. He stated that in his experience the Board has much more knowledge of specific building and learning needs. In reference to the community he stated, “They decide to fund it and expect you to optimize it.
Another primary discussion point was whether the base plan for the survey should include upgrades to Shattuck or if it should also include a new middle school for grades 5-6. Some Board members seemed to prefer the grade 5-6 plan because of its positive impacts on those two grades and the additional space at the elementary level, but also believed the Shattuck plan might receive more public support. Board members also suggested putting both options in the base plan, while others were concerned that it could be too high-priced and if the community rejected the option it would provide little direction from the survey data.
The Board settled on a base plan that includes upgrades to safety and security and a renovated or new Shattuck. Residents will be questioned on their support for the base plan and then informed that the Board is at a crossroads of its next move - whether to make the changes at grades 5-6 and the elementary schools or whether to make upgrades at the high school. Additional questions will ask more detail about respondents’ interest in specific upgrades within each of those areas. Survey data will hopefully show how supportive residents are of each of the additional options.
In regards to other information on the survey, Board members said it needs to emphasize that the schools are old and in need of repair for students' learning. They also suggested that the survey explains the reason for additional classroom upgrades is to provide students a 21st Century learning experience.
The next meeting was scheduled for August 22, but Foster and Board President Michelle Swardenski will both be unable to attend, so it will likely be rescheduled. A new date will be announced later this week.
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