UPDATE 12/14/23 – KUSD has released an official statement, detailing the rationale behind the closure of the six schools.
“This was a long, difficult process that will have a major impact on our community,” KUSD Superintendent Dr. Jeff Weiss said. “We are thankful for those who volunteered to serve on the committee to research, brainstorm and analyze scenarios, as well as those who offered ideas, thoughts and comments along the way that allowed us to refine the final recommendations. This has been a huge undertaking and we could not have done this without the support of all those involved.”
“Even though we made a concerted effort to impact the fewest students possible, the decisions we made last night were hard,” KUSD School Board President Yolanda Adams said. “Unfortunately, our district is currently built for 23,000 students, but is funded for fewer than 19,000, and we cannot continue to operate at that level without negatively impacting the services we provide our students.”
KENOSHA – In an effort to stave off a projected 15 million dollar deficit, the Kenosha Unified School District has decided to close five elementary schools and one middle school starting in the fall of 2024.
Under the plan, EBSOLA – Creative Arts, Jefferson, McKinley, Stocker, and Vernon elementary schools would shut down, along with Lincoln Middle School. Meanwhile, Washington Middle School would move their operations into the EBSOLA building, while Reuther Central High School would stay open but lose 10 staff positions.
At a public meeting on the matter Tuesday, Kenosha students, parents, and community members made it clear they wanted the district to explore all options, including a referendum taxpayers would vote on. Superintendent Jeff Weiss said has they have exercised all other options.
“As superintendent, I’d love to talk about how we’re expanding programs and opportunities for our students and families but that’s not our situation today.” Weiss said Tuesday.
READ MORE: Kenosha students & staff stage “walk-in” over potential closures
A rally was held outside of Reuther Tuesday.
Kenosha Unified has also cited declining enrollment as a reason the changes need to be implemented. At Lincoln Middle School specifically, their student population of 502 students has declined by 18% over five school years, while its teacher population has fallen 10% over five years to 42 staff members.
Other school districts may soon be faced with similar school closures, according to WTMJ’s Vince Vitrano.
A request for comment from WTMJ to KUSD School Board President Yolanda Adams was turned down.
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