Waukesha school closures, mergers; parents push back as board weighs options

Waukesha School Board talks consolidation plans

The School District of Waukesha enrollment is projected to drop 2% annually, prompting closure and consolidation plans.

WAUKESHA, Wis. - The School District of Waukesha is weighing multiple options to shrink its footprint as enrollment continues to decline, but parents, students and staff worry about the future of their schools.

What we know:

The Waukesha School Board is weighing proposals for closures and consolidations, including moving grades between campuses.

Options E, F and G were discussed during a board meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 10. 

• Option E would place 4K through 5th grade in elementary schools while closing three others.
• Option F would move 6th grade back into elementary schools to free up space in middle schools.
• Option G, unveiled at the Wednesday meeting, would eliminate middle schools entirely, placing 7th and 8th graders in high schools.

Parents and staff at schools like Bethesda and Hawthorne urged the board to reconsider. Some worried about program changes, while others noted that schools on the closure list disproportionately serve low-income students.

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Meghan Eigenbrod, a Bethesda parent, said other parents combed through district data this summer and made their argument for keeping the school open.

"Bethesda is the number one choice in school in the district. That says a lot," Eigenbrod said. "I don’t know if there is a fair solution. Nor an easy solution."

The board said narrowing the list now lets the administration get started on finding answers to unanswered questions.

"Hawthorne Elementary has over half of its students being Hispanic, and targeting schools like that is not leadership, it's a failure," said parent Helen Bishara. "I expected more — a plan that protected and strengthened the dual language program, a plan that put students first... not spreadsheets first."

Board members stressed that nothing is final and more analysis is needed. That includes determining where programs like dual language and deaf-and-hard-of-hearing instruction would go, along with transportation logistics and redrawing school boundaries.

"I think it's very important just to keep remembering that this is not a proposal so these are going to be reviewed and we will pick apart and discuss again," said board member Natalie Grehn. "So if we want to put Bethesda back in or something else that makes more sense, then we can definitely go back and look with that."

The district hopes to make a final decision by the end of the calendar year, with implementation set for next fall.

What they're saying:

School Board President Kelly Piacsek said in a statement that consolidation is best for student achievement and taxpayer dollars:

"We understand these are emotional conversations for families. The work we’ve done over the past several years to introduce and standardize high-quality elementary curriculum and teacher professional development means every student will continue to receive a strong, consistent education from exceptional educators, no matter which building they attend. In fact, consolidation is the most equitable approach, as it ensures no child is left in an under-enrolled school with depleted resources, and that our community isn't asked to pay more for underutilized capacity. I have confidence that any plans the Board ultimately considers will maintain or enhance student supports such as special education, English language services, transportation, and financial assistance.

If the Board is able to narrow down our options this evening, I believe a decision this fall is feasible and would allow parents and the District ample time to plan for the upcoming school year. As with any changes, the Board will use good judgment and the best available data to make the decision we believe is right for the District. I know the Board has valued the community’s engagement and feedback along the way."

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Superintendent Jim Sebert added that a final decision is still on track for the end of the year, with implementation starting in fall 2026:

"Phase 3 remains scheduled for the months of October through December. Tonight, the Board may take action to narrow the number of options still under consideration. We have had a strong process to date and have appreciated the engagement of our parents, staff, and community members."

Waukesha school closures, mergers on the table

The Waukesha school board will meet on Wednesday to narrow down options for school closures and consolidations as some parents and advocates push to pause a decision.