News Summary
The Waukesha School Board is debating the closure of Bethesda, Hawthorne, Prairie, and Lowell Elementary due to declining student enrollment. Enrollment has reportedly dropped from 13,000 to around 10,500, with projections suggesting further declines. Community members, particularly parents of special needs children, are voicing their concerns regarding the potential impact of these closures on their children’s education and the community’s structure, with discussions set to continue leading to a final decision by the end of the year.
Waukesha – The Waukesha School Board is currently contemplating the potential closure of four elementary schools—Bethesda, Hawthorne, Prairie, and Lowell Elementary—due to a significant decline in student enrollment. This discussion has sparked substantial concern among parents and community members, who fear the implications these closures may have on their children’s education and the overall community structure.
As of now, the district’s enrollment has decreased sharply from over 13,000 students in the 2012-2013 academic year to approximately 10,500 students. Projections indicate that this trend could continue, with estimates suggesting enrollment may drop to as low as 8,776 students by 2034. In response to these alarming figures, the school district is aiming to reduce building capacity by 10% to 15% to align with this downward trend.
The board is expected to finalize its decision by the end of the calendar year, with any changes targeted for implementation in the fall of 2026. Before that, a crucial board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Blair Administration Building, where no final decisions will be established until further analysis is conducted.
In July, the Waukesha School District proposed four options to address the declining enrollment issue. These options include redistricting, shifting grade levels, closing schools, and establishing a new K-8 STEM school. Parents have been particularly vocal about their anxieties surrounding the proposed closures, with many attending drop-offs at schools to voice their concerns.
Parents of special needs children have expressed heightened worry over the potential school closures. For instance, one father highlighted the ongoing education his 10-year-old daughter Cassandra has received at Lowell Elementary, where she has been enrolled since she was 3 years old. Cassandra, who lives with multiple disabilities, including cerebral palsy, ataxia, apraxia, and epilepsy, has thrived in an environment that meets her specialized educational requirements. The father is concerned that moving her to another school may disrupt her routine and access to necessary resources.
The proposed plan could also force children to travel further to new schools instead of walking to their local institutions, a significant change that has parents worried about their children’s safety and well-being. Community members are advocating for a reassessment of the enrollment data, pointing out potential discrepancies and the likely adverse impacts on low-income students if changes are made.
As part of its broader strategy, the district has also included proposals to sell certain properties and revise its dual language program. Bethesda Elementary has been flagged for closure in multiple options presented to the school board, raising additional concerns among parents and educators who fear the loss of unique programs tailored to the community’s needs.
Overall, the implications of these proposed school closures extend beyond mere numbers; they resonate deeply within the community, with many parents feeling an emotional attachment to their neighborhood schools. As discussions continue, the Waukesha School Board faces the challenging task of balancing budgetary considerations with educational responsibilities and community values.
With no final decisions yet made, the future of these elementary schools remains uncertain as the school board prepares to assess data and community feedback leading up to the pivotal meeting.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
