Wisconsin Heights examines single campus layout

Bray Architects updated the Wisconsin Heights School Board on a potential single campus layout at the Nov. 11 meeting. The District is very early in the stages of examining potential solutions. The initial proposal expands 4K through 2nd grade to the northwest. 1st through 5th grade would adjacent to the southeast, where the main office would be located. A centralized cafeteria would be located close to the Middle School entrance. On the south side of the building, a new auditorium and gymnasium would be built, along with a fitness center, accessible to the public. Parking would be added next to the addition. The district has many options including expanding the new gymnasium seating and converting the exiting cafeteria to storage Board member Isaiah Crowe brought up the need to maintain a second access point along Olson Road. Board member Barb Statz noted that parking is already at a premium, and expanded parking is necessary. Towards January 2020 the District will finalize the results of the community survey, with the results potentially to be presented in March. April to June of 2020 is slated to be the time to refine survey results. Towards the beginning of the 2020 school year the board is looking to adopt a formal referendum for school construction. Board president James Kartman introduced the idea of the first meeting of the month being a Committee of the Whole. This meeting would involve all members of the District committees, allowing better communication, and reducing the number of committee meetings. The board will continue to discuss this option. Black Earth Elementary School Principal presented the results of the 4K before and after school care survey. Close to 70% would prefer a full day program, with 87% feeling better options are needed for before and after care. 80% are willing to pay for the service. 50% of respondents thought care for children on non-school days was a good idea, with 38% open to summer care. The next steps are to gather specific enrollment numbers and to reach out to potential partners.