Sept. 4, 2023 5:20p
(WGTD)---The equivalent of six schools would need to close if Kenosha Unified is to meet the benchmarks established by the school board last week.
The options on the table, however, are far more complex than mothballing a half-dozen buildings.
The board adopted a four-prong resolution designed to give a consultant that’s been hired to “right-size” the district in the face of declining enrollment some guidance. The consultant--Davis Demographics--has been working with administration and a "right-sizing" committee for much of the year.
The points in the resolution include achieving a “functional utilization” rate of 80%, considering program changes and mergers, possibly adjusting school boundaries and exploring the creation of at least one combination elementary/middle school.
School board member Eric Meadows is a member of the committee. "There are about a-thousand different ways that we can slice and dice this district up. And that's what Davis is trying to figure out how to do," Meadows said.
The school board is expected to get recommendations from the committee and administration before the end of the year.
Public hearings on preliminary findings are expected to be held in October.
A number of school districts in the state have been going through a similar downsizing process as lower birth rates continue to impact enrollments.
KUSD Superintendent Jeff Weiss has emphasized that the goal of the committee is to preserve the district's quality programs and services.
According to data from the district, five elementary schools would need to close in order to achieve an 80% building capacity rate at the elementary level and one of the district's five middle schools. The district's three comprehensive high schools appear to be safe--for now.
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