Waukesha, September 11, 2025
News Summary
The Waukesha School Board is evaluating the closure of four elementary schools—Bethesda, Hawthorne, Prairie, and Lowell—due to a sharp decline in student enrollment. Concerns have been raised by parents and community members about the impact of potential closures on children’s education and community dynamics. Current enrollment has decreased from over 13,000 to approximately 10,500, with projections predicting further declines. The board plans to discuss these issues at an upcoming meeting, gathering feedback from the community before making any final decisions.
Waukesha – The Waukesha School Board is currently considering the potential closure of four elementary schools due to a significant decline in student enrollment. The schools under review include Bethesda, Hawthorne, Prairie, and Lowell Elementary, with parents and community members expressing growing concern regarding the implications of these discussions on their children’s education and neighborhood dynamics.
Enrollment in the Waukesha School District has experienced a drastic decrease, dropping from over 13,000 students in the 2012-2013 school year to approximately 10,500 today. Projections suggest that by 2034, enrollment could further decline to as low as 8,776 students. As part of the district’s strategic planning, the board aims to reduce building capacity by 10% to 15% in alignment with these enrollment trends.
In response to the declining numbers, the district has laid out four options for consideration, which include redistricting, grade shifts, and the potential closure of schools. One of the most pressing issues for parents is the impact of these closures, particularly for those with students requiring special services. For example, a 10-year-old student at Lowell Elementary named Cassandra, who has multiple disabilities, has been enrolled there since she was three. Her father has expressed concerns that a school closure would disrupt the established support system crucial for her education.
The board has planned a meeting at 6 p.m. at the Blair Administration Building to further discuss the situation, and no final decisions regarding school closures will be made until after that meeting. In the lead-up to this decision, several parents gathered at Lowell Elementary during morning drop-off to voice their apprehension about losing their neighborhood school. Community advocates are also calling for a reassessment of the enrollment data used to guide these decisions, highlighting discrepancies that could disproportionately affect low-income students.
The proposed changes are aimed not only at closing schools but also at potential property sales and revisions to the dual language program, which has garnered mixed reactions from parents. Bethesda Elementary has notably been targeted for closure in multiple options presented, raising additional concerns among community members about the loss of unique educational programs.
As the discussion progresses, community members, educators, and concerned parents are closely monitoring the situation, advocating for their children’s needs and the importance of maintaining accessible, high-quality education in their neighborhoods.
Background Information
The Waukesha School District has been grappling with a declining student population for several years, prompting the school board to evaluate potential measures to address the issue. The options currently on the table reflect a drive to consolidate resources and adjust educational offerings to align with the diminished enrollment. The district’s planning and projections consider both current data and future trends that may necessitate further adjustments as student enrollment continues to fluctuate.
Next Steps
The school board is expected to provide updates and gather more feedback from the community as it approaches the final decision-making deadline at the end of the calendar year. Should closures be confirmed, the changes are anticipated to be implemented by fall 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the Waukesha elementary schools facing potential closures?
The closures are being considered due to a significant decline in student enrollment, which has decreased from over 13,000 students to about 10,500, with future projections indicating a further drop.
Which elementary schools are under consideration for closure?
The schools being considered for closure are Bethesda, Hawthorne, Prairie, and Lowell Elementary.
When is the final decision regarding school closures expected to be made?
The final decision is expected to be made by the end of the calendar year, with any changes implemented by fall 2026.
What concerns are parents raising about the closures?
Parents are expressing concerns about the impact on their children’s education, especially for those with special needs, and the potential increase in distances students may have to travel to reach new schools.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Schools Under Review | Bethesda, Hawthorne, Prairie, Lowell Elementary |
| Current Enrollment | About 10,500 students |
| Projected Enrollment by 2034 | 8,776 students |
| Date of Board Meeting | 6 p.m. at the Blair Administration Building |
| Implementation Timeline | Changes expected by Fall 2026 |
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
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