Green Bay Area Public School District building. (IMAGE: Courtesy of Fox 11 WLUK)
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The public is beginning to weigh in on what the future makeup of Green Bay’s public schools could be.
A pair of meetings were held Tuesday where people voiced their opinions on a set of proposals which would consolidate district buildings.
Inside the Neville Public Museum, the public heard two proposals regarding the future of several Green Bay schools. Consultants with Woolpert laid out two scenarios which would effectively close six elementary schools. They stressed nothing is set in stone.
“This is still early in the process, so I just want to emphasize this is not a forgone conclusion,” said Justin Rich with Woolpert.
Under both proposals, MacArthur Elementary students would attend Kennedy. Doty Elementary would consolidate with Langlade as a new 4K through 8th grade model.
Students at Howe Elementary would move over to Washington Middle School, which would also convert to 4K through 8th grade. Webster students would split between Langlade and Washington.
Under both scenarios, McAuliffe Elementary will turn into a 4K through 8th grade school. In one proposal, Franklin Middle School would also become 4K through 8th grade and take students from Elmore and Chappell Elementary.
The second proposal would turn Franklin into a 4K through 6th grade. This scenario would also see West High School convert to teaching 7th through 12th grade.
The 7th through 12th grade model, or 6th through 12th, is something Sarah Smith would like to see more of.
“As a mom of two boys, I understand the fear that, is your four-year-old going to school with a 13-year-old or a 14-year-old?” said Smith, who lives in Bellevue.
Converting Langlade, McAuliffe and Washington to 4K-8th grades would require referendum approval. The district says they will continue listening to people’s concerns.
“We have to be open minded, listen to the people who live in this community, but also be ready to make some really hard choices,” said Laura McCoy, GBAPS Board of Education President.
Another round of community talks will take place on April 30 and May 1.
Anyone who would like to view the boundary maps will be able to view them at the Neville Public Museum through Friday. The boundary maps will also be available on the school district’s website starting Wednesday.
Tank, Weqiock and Keller Elementary Schools have already been approved to close. Those closures take effect for the 2024-25 school year.
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